When to fill in your Census form

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) notes that a small number of people have already completed their Census form on-line in advance of Census Night, 8 August.

The ABS would prefer that people waited until Census Night, 8 August, or the days after Census Night to complete their form on-line. The eCensus site will be open until 28 August. This will ensure that all people who are in the dwelling on Census night, including any last minute visitors, are counted.

Forms completed on-line before Census Night, 8 August, will be included in the Census count. If people are completing their Census form on-line before Census Night, 8 August, this should be done with reference to their expected situation on Census Night.

People who leave Australia before Census Night, 8 August, or will not be in Australia on Census Night, do not need complete a Census form. The ABS will use information provided on the passenger cards that are completed when people leave and return to Australia to ensure that people on holidays overseas on Census Night are included in the final national population count.