It’s an Online Census

August 9 has been declared Australia’s Census Night. 

‘Our moment to pause and make a difference’ is the theme for the 2016 Census. The people have been requested to help in making a difference in four areas – Education, Health, Transport and Infrastructure. It will help authorities to plan for the future.

The accent this time is to promote people to complete the Census online. More than 15 million people are expected to do so. Paper forms will still be available. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the authority conducting the Census, has pointed out that completing the Census online is fast, easy, secure, and environmentally friendly and also reduces the cost of the Census to the community. 

Like voting, Census is also compulsory. Everyone in Australia must complete the Census form. If a person fails to complete the Census, he will be notified of their legal obligation to do so. If the person continues to refuse to complete the Census, he may face a fine of up to $180 per day until the form is returned. Generally, the need to enforce penalties for non-completion has been rare.

To make sure everyone in Australia understands the need to complete the Census on 9 August, a mass media-led campaign has been conducted, supported by public relations, the distribution of information material, and community engagement activities.

The ads explain how the 2016 Census will work, and some of the ways in which Census data is used to improve all lives. 

Households have been sent a letter with a unique Census Login. Every household must use it to complete the Census online, or follow the directions to order a paper form. In some locations, households will receive a paper form upfront, with the option to complete it online.

Everyone who is in Australia on Census night needs to participate in the Census, no matter where he or she is. If one is staying with family or friends on Census night, the person has been advised to make sure he is included on their form.

For those staying in a hotel, serviced apartment, hostel or caravan park, the accommodation service provider will give a form to be filled. Special Field Officers will be found at certain locations in remote areas such as truck stops and caravan parks. 

Those who are not in Australia on Census night are not required to complete the Census. Their information will be collected from overseas departure cards from Australia’s ports and airports.

Even foreign visitors are required to participate in the Census. Their accommodation provider will give you a form or details of how to complete the Census online. Only foreign diplomats and their families are exempt.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is making every effort to ensure that everyone in the country on 9 August is counted.

The ABS had informed that completing the Census accurately and in full is important to make sure that communities with a high population of transient workers, such as mining communities, have the information to support planning for important infrastructure.

“The Census is your opportunity to make a difference for yourself and others in your situation. Collecting data is especially vital when forming policy, allocating funding and providing services for the community,” the ABS stresses.