Paul Williams of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has shown a continuing interest over many years in engaging researchers in open debate and in the exchange of ideas and information about the interpretation of Indigenous census data. It was he and John Struik, in his capacity as head of the Population Statistics Group of the ABS, who bravely entertained the notion of independent observation of the 2001 Census, and who made it possible. Logistically, numerous individuals also assisted in this process. Those deserving of special mention include Martin Brady of the ABS in Canberra, and Roger Jones of CAEPR who was invaluable as a constant source of ideas and critical comment.

David Martin wishes to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of Roylene Wolski, and the census collectors at Aurukun, particularly Albert Peinkinna. Frances Morphy would like to thank the enumerators, residents and visitors at community A, who accepted her presence as an observer with equanimity and good humour. She owes a special debt to the CFO, who spent more time than he could probably afford in providing information that could not have been easily obtained otherwise, particularly about the training procedures and the regional context of the enumeration. Lorraine Oakshotte and Sue Ward of the Darwin ABS Office also provided valuable assistance. Frances also thanks Roger Jones, David Martin, Will Sanders, Di Smith, and John Taylor, all of CAEPR, and Rosa Gibbs and Paul Williams of the ABS for their comments and feedback on various drafts of her chapter. Will Sanders would like to acknowledge the Tangentyere Council and Peter White, ABS Central Australian Census manager, for their assistance in carrying out his study.

Those who deserve special mention for their help with the production of the book include Paul Williams and Emma Perkins of the ABS for the speed and efficiency with which they provided the extra materials we asked for. Hilary Bek and Sally Ward of CAEPR are thanked for their copy-editing and proofreading.