August 9 is Census day. If you are in Australia you have to complete a Census form using a unique code sent to your house by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Most Australians give their overwhelming support for the Census and willingly participate for the benefit of their community. Generally, the need to enforce penalties for non-completion is rare.
If a person fails to complete the Census, the first step taken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is to notify that person of their legal obligation to do so. If that person continues to refuse to complete the Census, they may face a fine of up to $180 per day until the form is returned. In some cases, penalties can also include a criminal conviction for failure to complete and return a form when directed. It is also an offence to provide false or misleading statements or information. The penalty is a fine of up to $1,800.Remember, the Census is our moment to pause and make a difference.
Here are some more questions that ABS has answered for you:What if I will be away from home on Census night?
Everyone who is in Australia on Census night needs to participate in the Census, no matter where you are. Whether you are an international visitor, travelling to remote areas, simply travelling interstate or staying away from home due to a natural disaster or other reason, arrangements have been made for you to complete the Census.
Staying with family or friends
If you are staying with family or friends on Census night, make sure you are included on their form.
Staying in other accommodation
For those staying at an accommodation service such as a hotel, serviced apartment, hostel or caravan park, your accommodation service provider will give you a form when you arrive.
Travelling in remote areas
Special Field Officers will be found at certain locations in remote areas such as truck stops and caravan parks. They will provide you with a Census form or information on how to complete the Census online. If you are travelling and staying in remote parts of Australia on Census night, and do not receive a Census form from a dedicated pick-up location, please contact the Census Inquiry Service.
Away from home due to natural disaster
In areas that have experienced natural disasters, the Census will count how many people reside in, or intend to return to, the affected areas. Answers to the question about your usual address will provide accurate information about these areas to inform planning decisions and rebuilding efforts.
Overseas on Census night
If you are not in Australia on Census night, you are not required to complete the Census. If you're overseas on Census night, we use the information collected on overseas departure cards from Australia's ports and airports to add Australian residents back in - you will still be counted.
International visitors
If you are visiting Australia on Census night, you are required to participate. Your accommodation provider will give you a form or details of how to complete the Census online.
Unoccupied dwelling or property
You just need to fill in the form for the residence you are staying in on August 9. You can put the other form or letter for the unoccupied house in the recycling.
At work on Census night - shift work
If you're working on Census night and return home the next day, you should include the details of your usual dwelling on your Census form. You should complete your form as soon as possible.
Do I have to complete the Census if I am not an Australian citizen?
Yes, everyone in Australia on August 9, including visitors, will need to complete the Census. Foreign diplomats and their families are exempt.
I identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. How do I show this on my Census?
It is important we get the full picture of everyone who identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and where they are in Australia. It helps plan for health, education, employment and other important services in your community.
If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, you should select ‘yes’ for that question.
If you identify as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should select both ‘yes’ boxes for that question.
Download Aboriginal and Torres Islander information from How we're reaching everyone.
I live in a regional or remote community. How will I be counted?
The majority of Australian households will receive a Census Instruction Letter in the mail, but you may receive a visit from a Field Officer from July to August 2016 if you live in a regional or remote community. The Field Officer will ask questions about you, your home and everyone who lives with you. Remember to include babies, children, relatives and visitors.
If you don’t receive a Census Instruction Letter or a visit from a Field Officer, contact theCensus Inquiry Service.
What if I live in a share house?
If you live in shared accommodation or on campus, don’t rely on others to include you on their Census.
It is compulsory for everyone in Australia to be included in the Census, either by filing in your own form or being included as part of the household you are staying at on August 9.
If you live in a share house, your household will receive a Census Instruction Letter in the post. If you would like to complete a separate form, contact the Census Inquiry Service.
If you live in a university residence or similar group accommodation, each room will receive a Census form.
If you don’t receive a Census Instruction Letter or a Census form, contact the Census Inquiry Service.
What if I have no usual address at the moment or I’m staying somewhere temporarily?
The ABS has developed special procedures to help people experiencing homelessness complete the Census.
If you are ‘sleeping rough’ on Census night, you will be counted by Field Officers who are employed where there are known concentrations of people sleeping rough. Field Officers will complete a special (short) Census form by interviewing and recording peoples’ responses.
If you are experiencing homelessness on Census night and have not received a Census form, contact the Census Inquiry Service. If you are unable to contact the Census Inquiry Serviceplease visit your nearest homeless service provider.
The Census is your opportunity to make a difference for yourself and others in your situation. Collecting data about this population group is especially vital when forming policy, allocating funding and providing services for the community.
If you are sleeping rough, couch surfing or staying somewhere temporarily, please see How we're reaching everyone for more information.
How are fly-in fly-out (FIFO), drive-in drive-out (DIDO) and temporary visa holders counted?
If you are a fly-in fly-out/drive-in drive-out worker or a 457 visa holder, you must complete the Census.
Completing the Census accurately and in full is important so we have the information 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.
It is important that you answer the ‘Usual address’ question correctly. If you spend, or intend to spend, more than six months of the year onsite, you must record your onsite address as your usual address.
If you are onsite on Census night, you must complete your own form, even if you have a second residence where you live when you’re not onsite. Your spouse/partner or family should not include you on their form.
What help is available for people in hospitals, nursing homes and aged care facilities?
In some locations, such as hospitals and nursing homes, Special Census Field Officers will be employed to provide help in completing the Census. Help can also be provided by family members, friends, carers or a Census Field Officer.
