In the second field test, one male interviewer conducted a full work load (interviewing male respondents only) primarily to test respondent reaction. Feedback from this interviewer was that he experienced a higher refusal rate than he expected which he attributed to his gender. Sample and operational arrangements The ABS has an ongoing interviewer of about 600 with a ratio of male to female interviewers of approximately 1:6. The sample selection has resulted in the areas being covered in the survey having a higher proportion of females who would normally be allocated the workloads and, as a result, it will be predominantly a female interviewer workforce in any event. The ABS is training a number of male interviewers in each State and Territory to work on the survey. Male interviewers will be available on request to any respondent in the event they are not comfortable talking to female interviewers. Male interviewers not trained for this survey will be offered work on other ABS surveys. It is not anticipated that there will be many requests for a male interviewer based on the findings of the field tests. In addition, the ABS will ensure that all interviewers, as part of the sensitivity training they receive, are provided with guidance to assist them in detecting cases where respondents may be more comfortable talking to an interviewer of the opposite sex. FINDINGS ON MATERIAL QUESTIONS OF FACT 3.1 on the evidence referred to in paragraphs 2.3 2.4 above, the – Commission makes the following findings on material questions of fact in relation to this application: The ABS will carry out interviews for the PSS from 1 August to 30 November 2005. It is intended that all aspects of conducting the survey interviews will be carried out by female interviewers. In making arrangements for an interview, respondents will not be given a choice as to whether they are interviewed by a male or female. Male interviewers will only be made available if the respondent requests a male interviewer or if an interviewer forms a view that the respondent will be more comfortable speaking with a specific gender.
In the second field test, one male interviewer conducted a full work load (interviewing male respondents only) primarily to test respondent reaction. Feedback from this interviewer was that he experienced a higher refusal rate than he expected which he attributed to his gender. Sample and operational arrangements The ABS has an ongoing interviewer of about 600 with a ratio of male to female interviewers of approximately 1:6. The sample selection has resulted in the areas being covered in the survey having a higher proportion of females who would normally be allocated the workloads and, as a result, it will be predominantly a female interviewer workforce in any event. The ABS is training a number of male interviewers in each State and Territory to work on the survey. Male interviewers will be available on request to any respondent in the event they are not comfortable talking to female interviewers. Male interviewers not trained for this survey will be offered work on other ABS surveys. It is not anticipated that there will be many requests for a male interviewer based on the findings of the field tests. In addition, the ABS will ensure that all interviewers, as part of the sensitivity training they receive, are provided with guidance to assist them in detecting cases where respondents may be more comfortable talking to an interviewer of the opposite sex. FINDINGS ON MATERIAL QUESTIONS OF FACT 3.1 on the evidence referred to in paragraphs 2.3 – 2.4 above, the Commission makes the following findings on material questions of fact in relation to this application: The ABS will carry out interviews for the PSS from 1 August to 30 November 2005. It is intended that all aspects of conducting the survey interviews will be carried out by female interviewers. In making arrangements for an interview, respondents will not be given a choice as to whether they are interviewed by a male or female. Male interviewers will only be made available if the respondent requests a male interviewer or if an interviewer forms a view that the respondent will be more comfortable speaking with a specific gender.
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