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Population estimates are produced using data from the most recent Census of Population and Dwellings, updated for estimates of the components of demographic change (births, deaths and net migration) since that last census.
Population estimates based on the resident population concept (the estimated resident population) include adjustments for net census undercount and residents temporarily overseas. National population estimates are produced quarterly (reference dates at 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December) from 1991 and subnational population estimates are produced annually (reference date at 30 June) from 1996.
Population estimates based on the de facto population concept (the estimated de facto population) are no longer produced and made no adjustments for net census undercount or residents temporarily overseas. National population estimates were produced annually (reference date at 31 December) from 1926 to 1950 and quarterly (reference dates at 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December) from March 1951 to June 1997. Subnational population estimates were produced annually (reference date at 31 March) from 1981 to 1995.
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