Understanding ethnicity in contemporary Australia using the census

Abstract

Australia isamongstthe most ethnically and culturally diverse countries in the world. Despite this diversity, little is understood about how Australians identify with their ethnic heritage. Data collected on a national level via the five-yearly Census ofPopulation and Housing donot adequately capture the complexity and richness of Australia's ethnic diversity. This inadequacy could be contributing to the lack of diversity and parity representation of the population in politics, business, and decision-making. In addition, there are benefits for individuals, business, and planning (among others) for a more comprehensive understanding of Australia's contemporary ethnic profile. How the national enumeration could better capture contemporary ethnic identity in Australia is considered here, with consideration of previous attempts at collection of such information in Australia and elsewhere alongside potential improvements for the 2026 Census.