Supporting people participate in the Marriage Survey (Media Release)

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MEDIA RELEASE
5 October 2017
Embargo: 11:30 am (Canberra Time)
Supporting people with illness, disabilities and injury participate in Marriage Survey

Eligible Australians who might have difficulty participating in the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey because of illness, injury or disability are receiving help from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

ABS Deputy Australian Statistician and Taskforce Lead, Jonathan Palmer, said the ABS recognised that some Australians required special assistance to enable them to have their say in the survey.

“We’ve put a range of measures in place for people who face barriers – whether they’re health or age related, where they live or if they have other special needs – to make sure they have every opportunity to take part in the survey.”

“For example, if someone can’t complete their survey form because of injury, illness or disability they can authorise another person who they trust to complete the form on their behalf. A trusted person may be a friend, family member or another person trusted to complete the form according to their wishes,” Mr Palmer said.

There is also the option of a paperless response.

“People in aged care facilities or those with illness, injury or disability are eligible to complete their surveys through a paperless response by requesting a Secure Access Code.

“To request a Secure Access Code you can complete an online request form on our website or call the Information Line on 1800 572 113.

“A unique 16-digit Secure Access Code will then be sent to you via email or SMS to your nominated email address or mobile phone. You can then use this to submit your response online or by using the automated telephone service on 1800 060 050 (toll free in Australia),” he said.

The ABS is also working in partnership with the National Relay Service (NRS) to help people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, to complete the survey. The NRS is a confidential, 24-hour service, available anywhere in Australia.

People who are blind or have low vision may be able to complete the survey online, or via the automated telephone service or by contacting the ABS Customer Assistance Team to provide an anonymous survey response.

The ABS is encouraging people to mail their forms back by 27 October to make sure they count. Survey forms must be received by 6pm (local time) on 7 November to be included in the count.

Survey results will be published on the ABS website on 15 November 2017.