In August 2016, ABS conducted their five yearly population census. For many it was a major change in the approach to data collection, with a reliance on online completion. While the issues surrounding the website and Census Night are well-known the ABS initial assessment is that once again response rates are in the mid 90s. In this presentation, we will review the variety of approaches now being used across countries to prepare for the 2020 census round and put the approach used for Australia 2016 Census into that wider context.

James Brown is Professor of Official Statistics and Associate Head of School (Research) in the School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences at UTS (University of Technology Sydney). As part of his research , he collaborates with ABS in areas associated with exploring the use of administrative data for official statistics. Prior to coming to Australia in September 2013, he spent 14 years as an academic in the UK, mostly at the University of Southampton. There he spent time managing both the research contract with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the collaborative Masters in Official Statistics. He worked closely with ONS on coverage assessment and adjustment for both the 2001 and 2011 Population Censuses, as well as contributing to their Beyond 2011 Research Programme.