2011 Census News Release

Census Collectors – will you be one?

Australia’s largest ever peace-time job drive has begun.

Nationally the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) needs 29,000 Census Collectors to help conduct the Census of Population and Housing on 9 August 2011.

From Croydon to Cooktown and Kowanyama to Karumba, Census Collectors will deliver and collect approximately 14.2 million Census forms to Australia’s 9.8 million households.

In the Gulf, there are over 100 Census Collector jobs available.

Queensland’s Census Director, Sally Pritchard, says Collectors help ensure a successful Census.

“The Census is shedding some light on Australia. It’s providing essential data to decision makers and communities to help plan for a brighter future,” Ms Pritchard says.

Ms Pritchard says Census data has benefits for every state, every town and every community in Australia. Being a Collector is a fantastic opportunity to help your neighbourhood while earning some extra money.

"This is an ideal time for part-time workers, students and semi retirees to earn some extra cash while helping out the community,” she adds.

Ms Pritchard also notes how crucial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collectors are to the success of the Census.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collectors make an enormous difference to the quality and accuracy of the data that we produce from the Census. We understand the only way to get a successful snapshot of Australia is to work hand-in-hand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities," she said.

Ms Pritchard said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collectors may offer interviews where appropriate in some Indigenous communities and households.

“Throughout Australia there are hundreds of Indigenous languages spoken. The more locals who become involved in the Census, the more accurate the count,” she said.

Census Collectors will receive between $1,300 and $2,800 for the casual position and will be employed from July until September.

Applicant information kits are available online at www.abs.gov.au/census or call 1800 420 182.

Key Census dates

• 9 April 2011 – Recruitment of Census Collectors begins.
• 28 July 2011 – eCensus opens to the public.
• 9 August 2011 – Census night.
• 10 August – Early September 2011 – Collection of Census forms.
• June 2012 – The first results from the 2011 Census will be released.