STATISTICAL ISSUES
To help in the interpretation of these estimates, this publication also draws attention to a number of statistical issues that need to be considered when using LFS estimates to describe Indigenous labour force characteristics. These have an impact on the relevance, quality and reliability of Indigenous estimates from the LFS.
Some of these statistical issues arise because the LFS is designed primarily to provide reliable estimates of key labour force aggregates for the whole of Australia and, secondarily, for each state and territory, rather than estimates for small populations or small geographic areas. The small number of the Indigenous population and its wide dispersion, together with the relatively high proportion who live in remote areas present particular difficulties in producing reliable labour force estimates for the Indigenous population.
There are also some practical difficulties with applying the standard LFS concepts and definitions and using the standard LFS survey questions in Indigenous communities, particularly in remote regions.
In addition, the small sample of Indigenous Australians identified in the LFS, even when aggregated across the year, has implications for the reliability of the survey estimates.
These issues are discussed further in Concepts, Sources and Methods
This page last updated 28 June 2011
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