The Australia Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday released more details about the postal survey process amid concerns that some people could miss out.
It confirmed a paperless option will be available to Australians abroad during the collection period, living in a residential aged care facility or in very remote locations, and the visually impaired.
Those who are eligible can request an access code to anonymously respond to the survey via an automated phone service, online form or the information line.
The ABS also confirmed it will be providing instructions in 15 languages, interpreter services and help for people with hearing and speech impairments. On top of that, there will be sites in capital cities from which eligible people can pick up survey forms.
The ABS originally promised to mail ballot papers to registered voters overseas, but its website now suggests people should communicate their opinion to a reliable confidant in Australia.
“Eligible Australians that are overseas for this entire period could ask a trusted person to receive their form on their behalf, open it, complete it based on their instruction and return it to the ABS,” the statistics bureau has written on its website.
Opening another person’s post is legal under the Telecommunications and Postal Services Act 1989, as long as the intended recipient gives you clear permission.
“A person cannot self-declare themselves to be a trusted person for someone else,” the ABS instructions state.
Those wanting to vote will have to be correctly enrolled with the AEC by midnight on Thursday.
