Find statistics from Australian censuses from 1788 to present
A number of publications of data from this census have been digitised on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website. We also hold many useful publications in print. See below for a list of resources. In most cases these publications will answer any questions that you have.
Very detailed data was produced from this census, and published on microfiche:
'State level cross classified tables (2600 fiche) and maps (240 fiche) were produced. Both summary tables (34 tables on 7 pages, for all geographic areas) and more detailed tables (43 tables on 22 pages, for Local Government Areas and larger urban centres >5,00 persons) were produced (approximately 1200 fiche). Indigenous data was also made available. In total over 4,000 fiche were released' (source).
CHECK IF TRUE The Library holds a set of these microfiche at MF 171. The fiche are held in storage and must be pre-ordered for use.
The guide to finding the necessary fiche is Census 81 - microfiche: (revised) (2145.0), which was released on 15 November 1984. Unfortunately it is not held at the State Library of Victoria. The only Australian library which appears to hold a copy is the Australian Bureau of Statistics' own library. The libraries of La Trobe University Bundoora (catalogue record), Deakin University Geelong (catalogue record) and Victoria University Footscray (catalogue record) hold copies of the original edition of this publication.
The Library holds some other guides which may be enough to determine which fiche you need - see 'Research help' box below.
As there are thousands of fiche in the set and as the guide to locating relevant records is not available at the Library, please ask us for advice about locating complex, cross-referenced data.
