Source: ABCnews
It’s almost time for the twice-a-decade survey that delights data nerds and gives the whole country Tuesday night plans, even in lockdown.
Australia’s 18th census night is on Tuesday, giving the entire country the chance to be counted and assist in painting a clearer picture of our communities.
Here’s what you need to do to complete the mandatory form.
What is the census?
The census is all about counting every single person in order to take stock of modern Australia.
To do this, the Australian Bureau of Statistics asks you a range of questions about your life, your family, the people you live with, income, culture, beliefs and more.
Censuses are conducted once every five years.
The goal is to get a snapshot of Australia and the data is used to inform policy decisions and help government and community organisations better target their services.
You have to do it, and, as we’ll discuss in a moment, you can be fined if you ignore your census responsibilities.
When is census night? Can I do it early or late?
Census night is Tuesday, August 10.
It used to be that you were meant to complete the form as close to that time as possible, but there is some flexibility available now.
According to the ABS website, you can complete the census once you’ve received your instructions in the mail.
But if you do complete it early, you have to answer the questions as you would if answering them on the night of August 10.
If you haven’t responded by August 12, you’ll be sent a reminder and may face a follow-up visit.
How do I complete the census? What if my form hasn’t arrived?
Most of the country will receive an online code and temporary password in the mail that you can enter into the ABS website to complete your census.
If you haven’t received it or a paper form, you can request a code be texted to you here.
From there just follow the instructions, answer the questions and you’re done.
If your internet connection is patchy or you’re otherwise unable to complete the form, you can call 1800 130 250 to request a paper form. A small number of people in regional areas have been sent paper forms.
Remember if you are completing it early, ensure you answer the questions as you would on Tuesday evening.
The census is meant to capture anyone staying at your house that night, including visitors and babies.
If you have a housemate or family member who does shift work and won’t be home on the night of August 10, you should still include them if they’re returning home in the morning, unless they’ve filled out their census somewhere else.
What happens if I don’t complete the census? Do I get a fine?
You can be fined up to $222 a day if you fail to complete the census.
But before that happens you’ll get a reminder either in the mail or in person from a member of ABS staff.
Staff who are out in the community will be following health advice and wearing face masks. That includes not making face-to-face contact with households in lockdown.
You can also face heftier fines for knowingly providing false information.
Why is the census important?
Data collected in the census is used to help inform government policy, as well as how non-profit and community organisations allocate resources and find need.
It also helps to inform government decisions by showing how Australian demographics are changing over time.
Wasn’t there some issue with the last census? Has that been fixed?
You might remember the 2016 census experienced some issues, which became known as #censusfail.
It was the first time the census was primarily conducted online. But millions of Australians were locked out of the website, with the ABS pulling the plug due to fears of a coordinated denial of service cyber-attack.
A later investigation by the Australian Signals Directorate found no data had been accessed, but the ABS was left with egg on its face over the problems.
But the bureau says it has rebuilt the online census platform and worked with the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre to prepare for the big event.
