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Media release –
Queensland

Cultural diversity takes centre stage for Queensland Census

11 February 2016 | QLD/43

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today welcomed more than 180 key representatives, from government and community organisations, to discuss multicultural community engagement for the 2016 Census of Housing and Population on 9 August 2016.

The ‘Better Census Data, Better Communities’ Brisbane forum provided representatives the opportunity to share their experiences with Census data, and highlight how good quality information benefits their community.

Head of the 2016 Census Program, Duncan Young, said the 2016 Census will play a critical role in understanding and supporting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“Australia is culturally rich and diverse. In 2011, more than 30 per cent of people were born overseas and more than 46 per cent of people have one or more parent born in another country,” Mr Young said.

“Having the support of organisations that represent the diverse range of cultures in Australia is vital in assisting us to count everyone in Australia on Census night.

“It was great to hear enthusiastic representatives have their say on how we can better engage with their communities, and make sure everyone plays their part.

“We want to ensure that this year’s Census provides an accurate statistical snapshot of our nation, and quality data to support the allocation of funding and planning for the future.”

Forum speakers and panellists discussed how Census data supports future funding decisions and services for multicultural communities in Brisbane and throughout Queensland.

CEO of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ), Garry Page, said the 2016 Census will provide essential data for every community.

“Census data will be used to help provide a long term plan for Queensland’s infrastructure and multicultural services, including housing, transport, education and industry. Without accurate and current data to represent the needs of Queensland’s multicultural communities, it will be difficult for the government and organisations such as ECCQ to prioritise service delivery, allocate resources and deliver on outcomes,” Mr Page said.

The forum comes as the ABS seeks to recruit 484 Census Area Supervisors across Queensland.
“Area Supervisors play an integral role in helping us to count 10 million dwellings and approximately 24 million people in Australia on Census night.
“People with different language skills are particularly encouraged to apply for these roles,” Mr Young said.

For further information on the 2016 Census, visit census.abs.gov.au

Key 2016 Census dates:

1 February 2016 Area Supervisor recruitment begins
2 May 2016 Field officer recruitment begins
Late July to early Aug 2016Instruction letters and forms will be delivered
9 August 2016Census night
Mid Aug to late Sept 2016Field visits
First half of 2017The first results from the 2016 Census released



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