1 This publication describes Australia's population growth and distribution, and analyses internal migration dynamics, which is the primary factor that leads to changes in Australia's population distribution. This publication mainly contains final estimated resident population (ERP) data based in the 200
1 This publication describes Australia's population growth and distribution, and analyses internal migration dynamics, which is the primary factor that leads to changes in Australia's population distribution. This publication mainly contains final estimated resident population (ERP) data based in the 2001 Census of Population and Housing. Estimates based on previous censuses, particularly 1996, are also included. In some sections, census counts by place of enumeration and place of usual residence have been used.
2 Following the 1992 amendment to the Acts Interpretation Act 1901-1973 to include the Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands as part of geographic Australia, population estimates at dates commencing from July 1993 include estimates for these two territories. To reflect this change, another category of the state/territory classification was created, known as Other Territories. Other Territories include Jervis Bay Territory, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Prior to July 1993, Jervis Bay Territory was included in estimates for the Australian Capital Territory.
3 In recognition of the inherent inaccuracy involved in population estimation, population figures less than 1,000 in the text are rounded to the nearest ten, figures over 1,000 are rounded to the nearest hundred, and figures over 1 million are rounded to the nearest 100,000. While unrounded figures are provided in the main tables, accuracy to the last digit is not claimed and should not be assumed.
ESTIMATED RESIDENT POPULATION-AUSTRALIA
4 ERP are estimates of the Australian population obtained by adding to the estimated population at the beginning of each period the components of natural increase (on a usual residence basis) and net overseas migration.
5 For the states and territories, account is also taken of estimated interstate movements involving a change of usual residence. After each Census, estimates for the preceding intercensal period are revised by incorporating an additional adjustment (intercensal discrepancy) to ensure that the total intercensal increase agrees with the difference between the ERPs at the two respective census dates.
6 Estimates of the resident population are based on census counts by place of usual residence, with an allowance for net census undercount, to which are added the number of Australian residents estimated to have been temporarily overseas at the time of the census. Overseas visitors in Australia are excluded from this calculation.
7 The concept of ERP links people to a place of usual residence within Australia. Usual residence is that place where each person has lived or intends to live for
six months or more from the reference date for data collection.
ESTIMATION OF SUB-STATE/TERRITORY POPULATIONS
8 In census years the ERP as at 30 June for each Statistical Local Area (SLA) is based on usual residence census counts, with an allowance for net census undercount and the number of residents temporarily overseas at the census date. Overseas visitors in Australia are excluded from this calculation. As the census is held at a date other than 30 June (6 August in both 1991 and 1996, and 7 August in 2001), further adjustments taking into account births, deaths and net migration for the intervening period are made to obtain the ERP at 30 June.
9 For post-censal years, the absence of migration data at the SLA level means that it is not possible to estimate SLA populations by taking into account natural increase and net migration. Instead, ERPs are calculated using a mathematical model. Local knowledge, including that advised by local governments, may be used to adjust the outcome of the model for a particular SLA.
10 In the mathematical model a relationship is established between changes in population and changes in other indicators over the period between the two most recent censuses.
11 The choice of indicators varies across the states and territories, depending on availability, and includes dwelling approvals, electricity connections, Medicare enrolments and drivers' licences. Changes in these indicators are then used to estimate changes in the population of each area since the last Census. The choice of indicators also varies across SLAs depending on aspects such as whether the SLA is urban or rural, is growing or declining, and whether the area has a high or low proportion of houses or medium and high density dwellings.
12 As a result of difficulties in measuring small populations, particularly those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, mathematical models may not been used in calculating post-census year ERPs for these areas. Instead, the ERPs can be derived using a number of indicators including electoral roll enrolments, housing surveys and school enrolments, with account taken of advice provided by Council represent