ABS methodology consultation feedback

Queensland Shelter policy officers attended last week’s Australian Bureau of Statistics consultation looking at their proposed revised methodology for estimating the homeless population. The ABS says that the revised methodology is more transparent, consistent and repeatable; however, Queensland Shelter holds a number of concerns following the Bureau’s presentation.
 
The application of the new methodology to 2001 and 2006 census data results in a significant reduction in the numbers of homelessness – approximately 40% - and also imputes a 3% reduction in homelessness between 2001 and 2006, which the ABS attribute to improved economic conditions;  in sharp contradiction to previous census analysis. There is also some concern over the new assumptions being used to inform the analysis, in particular in the area of secondary and youth homelessness.
 
Queensland Shelter will be seeking to convene a working party to develop a submission to the ABS by the due date of June 30th. Please contact policypm@qshelter.as.au if you would like to take part in the submission.