2903.0.55.002 - How Australia Takes a Census, 2006  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 09/08/2006  First Issue
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MEDIA RELEASE

August 9, 2006
Embargoed: 8:30 AM (AEST)
C36/2006

Census off to a great start

It's the morning after the 2006 Census and the big count has got off to a great start. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) expects another big day today.

A total of around 534,000 eCensus forms were submitted by early this morning, with more expected in the next few days. The figures suggest the ABS's estimate, that 10% of households would use the eCensus, will be achieved.

As expected the Census Inquiry Service was very busy and dealt with more than 80,000 calls yesterday (8 August). At peak periods, there were some lengthy waiting times, but the ABS would like to thank callers for their patience.

While most people will have completed their form on Census Night, ABS expects a further rush of people completing their form online tonight. There is still time for people to complete a paper form.

The vast majority of Australians have their Census form.

For those people who still do not have a Census form, they can request a form by email at census.forms@abs.gov.au, or by calling the Census Inquiry Service on 1300 362 883. People emailing need to provide the ABS with a residential address.

Head of Census Paul Williams said Collectors begin returning to households from today to collect completed forms.

"Don't worry if your Collector doesn't return for a week or two," Mr Williams said. "Collection of forms will continue until 28 August. If you have completed the eCensus option there is no need for a Collector to return."

"The ABS would like to thank everyone who has completed their Census form. Once you pass it back to a Collector, or submit a form online you will have done your bit for Australia and your community."

eCensus returns (national and state/territory breakdown):

eCensus
Aust
NSW
Vic
Qld
ACT
Tas
SA
WA
NT
other territories
Returns
533,702
168,433
130,067
112,170
14,944
10,830
35,906
57,571
3,772
9
Take-up (%) *
6.2
6.0
6.1
6.5
11.2
5.0
5.3
6.6
4.6
0.6
* eCensus returns divided by the number of estimated dwellings for Australia, or state or territory.