Spouse/partner indicator (SPIP)

Latest release
Census of Population and Housing: Census dictionary
Cite
Reference period
2021

Definition

This variable records the usually resident husband/wife/partner or de facto partner in a couple family. It identifies the husband/wife/partner of each family reference person counted in the same family on Census Night, or reported as temporarily absent on Census Night.

Scope

Couple families present in the household on Census Night

Categories

CodeCategory
1Family reference person
2Spouse/partner
@Not applicable
VOverseas visitor

Number of categories: 4

Not applicable category comprises:

  • Other families
  • Non-family/non-classifiable households
  • Group household member
  • Lone person
  • Other non-classifiable relationship
  • Unoccupied private dwellings
  • Non-private dwellings
  • Migratory, off-shore and shipping SA1s
  • Visitor (from within Australia)
  • Overseas visitor

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.

Question(s) from the Census form

What is the person’s relationship to Person 1/Person 2?

What is the person’s relationship to Person 1/Person 2?
What is Person 2's relationship to Person 1? Examples of other relationships: Son-in-law, Grand-daughter, Uncle, Boarder. More information Husband or wife of Person 1 De facto partner of Person 1 Child of Person 1 Stepchild of Person 1 Brother or sister of Person 1 Unrelated flatmate or co-tenant of Person 1 Other relationship to Person 1 (please specify)

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: What is Person 2's relationship to Person 1?
What is Person 2's relationship to Person 1? Examples of other relationships: Son-in-law, Grand-daughter, Uncle, Boarder. More information If more than one response applies, select only the option that shows the relationship that most closely applies.

How this variable is created

This variable is derived from the the following variables:

  • Family/household reference person indicator (RPIP)
  • Relationship in household (RLHP)

Where a person is both the reference person in the family (RPIP category 1, 2 or 3) and is in a registered or de facto marriage they are coded to '1 Family reference person'.

Where a person is not the reference person in the family (RPIP category 5) and is in a registered or de facto marriage they are coded to '2 Spouse/partner'.

History and changes

This variable is new for 2021.

Data use considerations

A family is based off a ‘reference person’. This is usually Person 1 on the Census form. Where this isn’t Person 1, a more appropriate person on the form is chosen during coding. This is based on age, marital status, and relationship considerations. A reference person must be a usual resident of the dwelling aged 15 years and over, and present on Census Night. For example, an adult is chosen rather than a child, or in the event of multiple family households, additional reference people are chosen.

This variable identifies the spouse or partner of each family reference person counted in the same family on Census Night or reported as temporarily absent on Census Night. The couple may be in a registered or de facto marriage.

This variable does not have a non-response rate as it is created during Census processing by using responses from more than one question on the Census form. 

Related variables and glossary terms

Useful links