Australians overseas have their say in Marriage Survey (Media Release)

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	MEDIA RELEASE
5 October 2017	Embargo: 11:30 am (Canberra Time)

Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) Deputy Australian Statistician and Taskforce Lead, Jonathan Palmer, said the ABS was committed to helping Australians participate in the voluntary survey, regardless of where they are.

“There are several ways people living or travelling overseas can participate in the survey.

For example, if you’re away for a short time you can complete the form before you leave or when you’re back if you return in time to get us your form by 7 November.

“You can also authorise someone you trust to open, complete your form on your behalf, seal it and send it back in the Reply Paid envelope,” Mr Palmer said.

The ABS is also providing a paperless option so that eligible Australians can respond online or by phone.

“Since 25 September, Australians overseas have been able to obtain a Secure Access Code through the online enquiry form on the ABS website or by calling the Information Line on +61 2 6252 5262.

“The 16-digit Secure Access Code is then used to provide an anonymous survey response through an automated telephone service, a secure online form or by contacting an ABS Customer Assistance Team.

“People with an overseas postal address on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll will have already received a letter containing a Secure Access Code that allows a response online or by phone,” he said.

Requests for a new survey form or a Secure Access Code close on 20 October 2017. 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.