Census 'thankyou' to the nation, Aug 2001
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Census 'thankyou' to the nation The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today extended its thanks to the Australian population for participating in the 2001 Census last night. Census form collection is underway from today but the ABS is also seeking to reassure the very small number of households that did not receive their census form in time for last night that they will still be able to participate in the count. According to the head of the census program, John Struik, any outstanding forms will be delivered to householders in the next day or two and people simply need to complete the details as they were for Tuesday night, August 7. Census collectors will return to pick up census forms between 8 and 27 August. Mr Struik has assured the public that census information in the hands of the ABS is protected by law. "I urge householders to personally hand the completed forms to their Collector and not leave them under doormats or in other external locations where they could be collected by unauthorised people or blown away," said Mr Struik. "If the Collector calls when you’re not at home, a card will be left giving an estimated time of return." Over 19,000,000 people across the nation - from the Top End's tourist camping grounds to Antarctic bases, from Carnarvon in the west to Coolangatta in the east - took part in Australia's fourteenth national Census of Population and Housing. Mr Struik states that the five yearly "snapshot" of the nation has gone smoothly. Whilst acknowledging that a small number of callers were unable to get through to the Census Inquiry Service at peak call times, the Census Inquiry Service handled upwards of 70,000 inquiries by phone yesterday and the website experienced heavy traffic. "The 2001 Census is a community event and it would not be possible without the cooperation of the community, the 30,000 civic-minded individuals who work as census workers and the support of Australia's media." The information collected in the 2001 Census will be processed and presented back to the community from July 2002. The 2001 Census information will be available through the ABS website and through libraries across Australia. If people have yet to advise the ABS of the need for additional census forms or the fact that they have yet to receive a form they should phone the Census Inquiry Service. This service is in operation to provide help and information - phone 137 219. A telephone interpreter service is also available by dialling 137 206. There is also a Telephone Typewriter facility to assist people with hearing impairments - phone 137 201. A public information website is also available at www.abs.gov.au/census. Visit www.census.gov.au/media for more information and media resources. Document Selection These documents will be presented in a new window.
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