Media release –
National
Census passes 7 million mark2 September 2016 | CO/105With more than seven million household forms now received, or 80 percent of Australian households, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today thanked the Australian public for getting behind the Census. Head of the 2016 Census, Duncan Young, said we are now predicting that two million more households will have completed the Census online in 2016 compared to the 2011 Census. “62 per cent of forms have been filled in online so far, compared to a total of 33 per cent five years ago,” Mr Young said. “We commend the Australian public for embracing the digital approach to the Census in 2016, and for their ongoing support. This clearly shows their understanding of the value of the Census, for their community and the nation as a whole.” Mr Young also reminded remaining households that haven’t completed their Census to do so immediately. “Census forms are due,” Mr Young said. “Our Census Field Officers will continue to visit households that haven’t completed the Census over the coming weeks. “If you haven’t yet completed the Census, please go online or fill out a paper form now, and this will save a Field Officer from needing to visit you. “The information you provide will inform funding, planning and development of essential services and infrastructure in your community, so it’s important that everyone takes part to ensure you and your community benefit.” Mr Young added that with Census Field Officers now visiting close to three million homes, the reaction from Australians has been positive. “Our visits are providing the assistance required for households to complete the Census, and have finalised one million households in the last week. We are on track for a very high quality Census.” Mr Young explained that there are some situations where households who have completed the Census will receive a visit from a Field Officer. “Visits to households that have taken part can happen for a variety of reasons, but commonly is due to the time it takes between completed paper forms being posted back and being registered at our secure Data Capture Centre. “If anyone does receive reminder materials after they have responded, please contact the Census Inquiry Service (1300 214 531), lodge an online enquiry, or speak to their Census Field Officer on their next visit so that we can resolve the matter as soon as possible.” For further information on the 2016 Census, visit census.abs.gov.au Background information on the 2016 Census of Population and HousingData collected from the 2016 Census will support funding decisions for services and infrastructure including housing, transport, education, industry, hospitals, and the environment.Key 2016 Census dates:
Media inquiriesNational Media Manager (P) 02 6252 6617, 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday or 0429 955 731 outside of business hours (E) census.media@abs.gov.auThe ABS is committed to upholding the privacy, confidentiality and security of all the personal information it collects. Read more about our approach to privacy and our privacy policy on the ABS website. |