The Australian government’s Census, conducted every five years, serves a vital role, according to Peter Doukas, chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA). He emphasizes that this survey is inherently “apolitical.”
Since its inception in 1911, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has managed the Census of Population and Housing, irrespective of the ruling political party. The information gathered plays a crucial role in guiding decisions on where to allocate resources for schools, transportation, and healthcare services.
Doukas shared with SBS News that the Census also offers significant insights into the demographic diversity of multicultural communities across the nation.
He remarked, “It’s not [about] taking a political side … it’s also not allowing the cynicism of government to get in the way of the important role that the ABS holds in collecting … accurate demographic data about what makes up Australia.”
This year’s Census is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, following the previous one on August 10, 2021.
Is the Census compulsory?
The Census must be completed by every person in Australia on Census night. That includes visitors to the country, regardless of how long they have been in Australia or how long they plan to stay.
Generally, one person per household fills out the form.
International visitors staying in hotels, motels, or other holiday accommodation can access paper Census forms. People staying in short-term rental accommodation (like an Airbnb or Stayz) can complete the Census online with internet access.
Do temporary visa holders need to complete the Census?
Migrants, refugees and people on temporary visas (including international students and tourists) must also complete the Census.
Doukas said people are “not giving away private information” that could be “used against them” by participating in the survey.
Confidential information, such as names and addresses, cannot be accessed by police or immigration agents.
Online information about the Census is also available in 26 different languages via the ABS website. However, the questionnaire must be completed in English.
People who speak a language other than English can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) which provides access to interpreters who speak more than 150 languages.
People staying in remote and regional Australia, including fly-in fly-out workers, are expected to complete the Census.
Around 30,000 ABS field staff have been employed to ensure all Australians, including people experiencing homelessness or in hospital, can access the form. Field staff will also gather Census information from people in police custody on 11 August.
The ABS confirmed to SBS News that they receive administrative data for people in detention centres and correctional facilities within Australia which provides necessary Census details.
What happens if you provide false information?
The Census asks up to 66 questions, including an individual’s gender identity, ancestry and religious affiliation.
When asked about religion during the first-ever Census in 1911, 32 people identified as “Wowser” and 21 as “Angelic”. In the 2011 Census, more than 64,000 people in Australia marked their religion as “Jedi”.
The ABS maintains “every response matters” during the Census and helps determine the distribution of public funds. Providing false or misleading statements or information is considered an offence and can result in a fine of up to $3,640.