Australian census records
History, surviving records and census substitutes.
Australian census history
At first musters were held in New South Wales and Tasmania. People were called to a gathering, and various details were recorded.
As the population grew, musters became too time-consuming and difficult to administer, and the colonial census was introduced. Each colony took census records independently, with different questions and on different dates.
After Australian federation the first national census was in 1911. Australian national census dates are irregular, the pattern having been disturbed by war and depression. The dates are:
As the population grew, musters became too time-consuming and difficult to administer, and the colonial census was introduced. Each colony took census records independently, with different questions and on different dates.
After Australian federation the first national census was in 1911. Australian national census dates are irregular, the pattern having been disturbed by war and depression. The dates are:
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Surviving records
Many individual Australian records have been destroyed. Historical census data is available from:
Some colonial census name records survive. They have been published in books, microfiche, CD and commercial online databases. When looking for colonial records it is important to understand how administration districts changed over time. See Australian civil administration.
National census records currently only give statistical information, not individual name records. Since 2001 individuals can nominate whether or not to allow their records to be released after 99 years.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Historical Census and Colonial Data Archive.
Some colonial census name records survive. They have been published in books, microfiche, CD and commercial online databases. When looking for colonial records it is important to understand how administration districts changed over time. See Australian civil administration.
National census records currently only give statistical information, not individual name records. Since 2001 individuals can nominate whether or not to allow their records to be released after 99 years.
Census substitutes
Although many Australian census name records have not survived, census substitutes include:
Post-Federation electoral rolls are widely available and some colonial electoral rolls are also available. Coverage is limited to people eligible to vote, which has changed over time. Information includes name and address, and sometimes occupation and eligibility criteria.
Many directories were produced annually. Directories might not be complete because inclusion was not always compulsory or free. Information includes head of household name and address, and sometimes occupation.
Rate books were produced annually. Information can include name of occupant, owner, address, description of property and rates paid.
Australian family history records
Australian BDM records
Australian census records
Australian civil administration
Australian history timeline
Victorian history timeline
© Highlight Press. See copyright notice for details.
- electoral rolls
- directories
- rate books
Post-Federation electoral rolls are widely available and some colonial electoral rolls are also available. Coverage is limited to people eligible to vote, which has changed over time. Information includes name and address, and sometimes occupation and eligibility criteria.
Many directories were produced annually. Directories might not be complete because inclusion was not always compulsory or free. Information includes head of household name and address, and sometimes occupation.
Rate books were produced annually. Information can include name of occupant, owner, address, description of property and rates paid.
Australian family history records
Australian BDM records
Australian census records
Australian civil administration
Australian history timeline
Victorian history timeline
© Highlight Press. See copyright notice for details.