Tonight is Census test night (Media Release)

	MEDIA RELEASE
05 August 2014	Embargo: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	113/2014

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reminds people in Western Australia that tonight is Census test night for selected households throughout the Shires of Plantagenet, Denmark, and City of Albany and surrounds.

Households selected to participate in the test should have received a letter from the ABS addressed ‘To the Resident’ between 23 July and 4 August 2014.

The letter includes instructions on how to complete the Census online, including a unique form ID and passcode.

In some areas, households also received a paper form that can be completed and mailed back to the ABS in the Reply Paid Envelope provided.

ABS Western Australia Regional Director, Tom Joseph encouraged everyone selected to complete the Census as fully and accurately as possible for all people staying in their home tonight.

“The Census test will help the ABS improve its processes and systems so that the next Census in August 2016 is cheaper, easier and produces better information,” Mr Joseph said.

“You can complete the Census wherever you can access the internet – you don’t need to use your home computer. You can use a dial-up, broadband, mobile or wireless connection.

“If you received a paper form, please complete it and return it in the Reply Paid Envelope provided as soon as possible.”

If a household was selected to participate in the test and they do not provided a response, a Census Field Officer will visit their home to follow up.

The ABS anticipates more than 65 per cent of Australian households will complete the Census online in 2016, avoiding a personal visit from a Census Field Officer and saving taxpayer money.

“The new delivery and collection procedures, aimed at increasing online participation, will help us count every person and every household in Australia on Census night,” Mr Joseph said.

“The Census is vital in helping the ABS capture a true snapshot of Australia.

“Census data is important for all Australians and is used to allocate funding for services and infrastructure in your community, including housing, transport, education, industry, hospitals and the environment,” Mr Joseph added.

All information provided is kept secure and confidential to the ABS. No information is released in a way that can identify any particular individual or household.

To get more information about the Census, visit www.abs.gov.au/census or call the Census Inquiry Service on 1800 138 756 Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm (local time).