Indicators

• Americas

• North Africa and the Middle East

• North-East Asia

• North-West Europe

• Not stated

• Oceania and Antarctica

• South-East Asia

• Southern and Central Asia

• Southern and Eastern Europe

• Sub-Saharan Africa

Policy context

Country of birth reflects children and young people’s diversity and cultural background and helps understand social cohesion and cultural integration.

In service planning, this type of data helps tailor services to unique needs and risk factors based on birthplace. Moreover, country of birth data offers insights into educational needs and language proficiency.

Indicators

• Number of children and young people - 5 year age groups

• Number of children and young people - single year

• Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the population - 5 year age groups

• Proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the population - single year

Policy Context

The number of First Nations children and young people is based on the Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Estimates of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population are produced by the ABS following each Census (every five years).

• Preliminary estimates are released in the year following the Census.

• Final estimates are released two years following the Census.

Estimates and Projections, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2011 to 2031 provide estimates and projections for years in between Censuses and are derived using assumptions about future fertility, paternity, life expectancy, and migration.

References

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021, Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, ABS [website] [cited 2025 February 13]. Available at: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/estimates-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-australians/latest-release

2. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2011-to-2031), Estimates and Projections, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, ABS [website] [cited 2025 February 13]. Available at: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/estimates-and-projections-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-australians/latest-release

Indicators

• Children and young people who don’t speak English well or not at all

• Children and young people who speak a language other than English at home

Policy context

Language proficiency is an important wellbeing indicator as proficiency in the dominant language(s) of a society facilitates effective communication, social inclusion, and access to essential services. It enhances educational attainment, employability and overall wellbeing.

Importantly, for children and young people, language skills are crucial for forming social networks and relationships. Language proficiency also plays a role in cultural integration, participation and health literacy.

Indicators

• Young people with and without religious affiliation

Policy context

The religious affiliations of young people matter for policy because they influence values, social cohesion, education, healthcare, and cultural sensitivity. Recognising these affiliations helps policymakers craft inclusive, culturally sensitive, and effective policies while respecting individual rights and freedoms.