There’s still time to complete your Census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates it has received more than 9.1 million completed forms in the 2021 Census, which includes those completed online and by paper. Andrew Henderson, Census Executive Director and National Spokesperson said, “while the response to date is positive, there are people who still need to complete their Census.

Although it was set to close by Tuesday 10 August, it’s still not too late to participate. “We want to make sure everyone is included in the Census. Every household was sent instructions to help them to complete. It doesn’t matter where you live – in an apartment block, student accommodation or a house. You need to complete your Census as soon as possible.”

The collected data benefits individuals, families and community. Having the right numbers means the right services can be planned and provided in your community. If you haven’t completed your Census yet, there’s no need to worry. You can still do it online, by paper or online.

If you can’t find your letter, go to www.census.abs.gov.au or call 1800 512 441. You can request a Census number and complete online, or get a paper form sent to you. If you have completed a paper form, remember to mail it back to the ABS using the reply-paid envelope.

Field Officers are visiting communities across the country to encourage people who haven’t completed the Census to do so today. They’re dropping off reminders or a paper form, in line with local COVID-19 restrictions.

The ABS is also reminding people with a second residence—investment property or holiday rental—to let them know if the house was vacant on Census night, Tuesday 10 August. “It’s a simple process to ‘report address was vacant or unoccupied’ through the Census website if your holiday home or investment property was empty on Census night,” says Mr Henderson.

It’s important that we get an accurate picture of the number of unoccupied or vacant properties because the Census counts all households across Australia in addition to counting people.

There are a range of in-language support options for people. If you need to speak to someone in your language you can call the free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450. TIS National can provide information about the Census questions and what to consider when answering them. There are also in-language fill the form sessions available at www.census.abs.gov.au/language

Fill in the form and information sessions are being held in a range of settings, including local libraries and community centres. An interactive map with the locations of face to face help is available on the Census website at www.census.abs.gov.au/find-us. Sessions are also available online for people in lockdown areas or those who can’t get to one of our locations. These are available on the Census website and ABS YouTube channel.

The Census is compulsory under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and fines can apply if someone refuses to complete their Census.

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