2903.0.55.002 - How Australia Takes a Census, 2006  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 03/08/2006  First Issue
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MEDIA RELEASE

August 2, 2006
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
ACT41/2006

International students and travellers count - 2006 Census

The 2006 Census takes place on Tuesday 8th August and counts everybody in Australia, including international students, travellers and tourists.

It is often thought that only Australian residents are included in the Census count. This is not so. All visitors (short and long term) are included - whether in Australia for study, work or play.

In fact every person in the country on Census Night should be included in the Census, wherever they are staying. Australia is counting on all international visitors to participate in the Census.

The sole exception are diplomats and their families, who are excluded from the Census.

Absolute personal privacy is guaranteed. All information collected in the Census is confidential - by law.

If you are staying with an Australian resident family, you can be included on their Census form.

If you are staying in paid accommodation such as halls of residence at universities, student hostels, guest houses or group houses you will be given a Census form and instructions on how to complete it.

If you are camping, travelling overnight, or in any unusual locations on 8th August, special arrangements have been made to give you a Census form. Please complete the Census form as instructed by the people who deliver it to you.

The Census provides a snapshot of Australia and is the best way to take stock and plan for the future. The Census provides vital information used to plan better facilities and services for many purposes, including educational services.

For more information visit the Census website at www.abs.gov.au/census