ABOUT THE REVIEW

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW
The need for periodic reviews of ASCCEG to reflect changes in cultural and ethnicity profile of the Australian population was foreshadowed when ASCCEG was first released.

Analysis of 2006 Census of Population and Housing Ancestry data, indicated the need for a review of ASCCEG:

• to ensure it is as up to date as possible for use in the 2011 Census
• to reflect in ASCCEG the changes to the cultural and ethnicity profile in Australia taking place due to changes in immigration patterns
• to make some changes to coding assignment in the classification
• to improve the coding index used to code responses to Ancestry questions.

In addition, stakeholders have expressed the view that ASCCEG should categorise as many cultural and ethnic groups as possible and that it should identify emerging groups as early as possible.

A minor review of ASCCEG was undertaken to address these issues. Although it was deemed necessary to add an additional narrow group to the classification there was no review at the broad group level. There was no analysis of the conceptual model underpinning the classification.



HOW IT WAS DONE

Statistical analysis

Analysis of responses to the 2006 Census Ancestry question was conducted to identify:

• new and emerging cultural and ethnic groups within the Australian population
• cultural and ethnic groups within the Australian population whose number had significantly increased
• cultural and ethnic groups within the Australian population whose number significantly declined.

External research

Extensive research was conducted to:

• confirm the appropriate terminology to be used for categories in the classification, as many respondents and stakeholders used linguistic rather than ethnic group terminology
• supplement the Census data and stakeholder comment
• assess the accuracy of code assignments and linkages, both in terms of regional placement in the broad groupings of the classification and in the detail of association of cultural and ethnic groups at the narrow group level.

Stakeholder consultation

Consultation was undertaken with a range of users and stakeholders including ethnic and community groups, academics and other experts in the field. The ABS sought information on all aspects of the review including information on coverage at the base (cultural and ethnic group) level, information about appropriate and useful classification of cultural and ethnic groups, information about index coverage, and advice, comment and opinion about the structure of the classification.

Comments were analysed and where necessary or appropriate changes were made prior to circulating a revised draft for comment. In some instances, additional follow-up consultation was undertaken with particular experts and organisations.