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2901.0 - Census Dictionary, 2001  
Previous ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 24/04/2001   
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Contents >> Definitions >> Registered Marital Status (MSTP) - Glossary

Registered Marital Status (MSTP)

This variable records an individual's current status in regard to a registered marriage, i.e. whether he/she is widowed, divorced, separated, married or never married. The partners in a registered marriage must be of the opposite sex as same-sex relationships cannot be registered as marriages in Australia. Registered Marital Status (MSTP) is coded from Question 6.

A question on Registered Marital Status has been asked in all Australian censuses. In all censuses since 1986 this question provided responses for the categories:

  • Never married;
  • Married;
  • Separated but not divorced;
  • Divorced; and
  • Widowed.

Marital status is applicable to people aged 15 years and over. Note that the category 'married' was called 'now married' in censuses prior to 1986.

See also Marital status, Married  Registered, Social Marital Status (MDCP).


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