Previous Page

Surveys

Information about government surveys.

  • This topic covers

    This topic covers

    • Australian Bureau of Statistics surveys
    • Census

Organisations

OrganisationResponsibilities
Australian Bureau of StatisticsAustralia's official statistical organisation.

Legislation

AuthorityCovers
 Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 (Cth)

Establishes:

  • the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the functions of the ABS
  • the office of Australian Statistician
  • the process for appointing to and removing from office,  the Australia Statistician. 
Census and Statistics Act 1905 (Cth)Provides the Australian Statistician with the authority to conduct statistical collections, including the Census of Population and Housing.

Common termDefinition
CensusA compulsory survey that records the demographs of the Australian population, such as age, sex, marriage status, occupation, language, and country of birth. The data collected in the census is used to inform government planning and policy making.
Double majority

A double majority is:

  • a national majority of voters in the states and territories
  • a majority of voters in at least 4 out of 6 states.

A referedum is passed if it is approved by a double majority.

ReferendumA referendum is a vote on a proposed change to the Australian Constitution. Section 128 of the Constitution eplains how referendums are held and passed.
PlebisciteA plebiscite is a vote on a question that does not affect the Australian Constitution.
Woman working on computer

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about surveys.

Go to questions

Services

Australia Bureau of Statistics

Australia’s national statistical agency and an official source of independent, reliable information.

Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Australia is the lead body for reconciliation in Australia.

Last updated: November 2023