2011.0 - Information Paper: Census of Population and Housing -- Proposed Products and Services, 2016  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 01/10/2015  Ceased
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CENSUS SAMPLE FILE

What is it?

The ABS is currently reviewing its microdata access services in order to increase the ease of access to microdata through a wider range of options than is currently available. However, it is anticipated that 2016 Census data will be made available in a Census Sample File (CSF).

The CSF is a comprehensive Confidentialised Unit Record File (CURF) of Census variables, containing a small random sample of private households and associated persons, and a small random sample of persons in non-private dwellings. The format of the 2016 CSF is expected to be consistent with previous releases. Further information will be provided in Census of Population and Housing - Products and Services, 2016 (cat. no. 2011.0.55.001) due for release in the first half of 2016.

Further information about Census microdata can be found on the Census Sample Files page on the ABS website.

Who is it for?

The CSF is aimed at advanced users of Census data and is released under strict access conditions. Clients are required to sign an undertaking stating that the information will only be used for statistical purposes.

Each request is subject to approval by the Australian Statistician before the CSF can be released.

Users of the CSF include:

    • university staff and students
    • commercial clients
    • State Government users
    • Commonwealth agencies
    • private sector.
Special arrangements exist between the ABS and Universities Australia, making CURFs, such as the CSF, more readily available to Australian universities for research. It is expected that the 2016 CSF will be available through this arrangement.

When will it be available?

The CSF is planned for release in 2018.

How much will it cost?

For information about pricing, see Microdata prices.