MEDIA RELEASE
20 August 2015	Embargoed: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	91/2015

Following the recent announcement that the next Census will be held on 9 August 2016, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released Census of Population and Housing: Nature and Content, Australia, 2016.

This information paper outlines the nature and content of the 2016 Census, including information on the topics, questions, and processes for conducting the Census.

Australian Statistician David Kalisch said the 2016 Australian Census will remain one of the most comprehensive Censuses in the world with 45 topics.

“The ABS appreciates submissions received from interested parties about the retention of topics and new topics for inclusion in the 2016 and future Censuses,” Mr Kalisch said.

“To maintain important time series information and to ensure the 2016 Census can be delivered within allocated funding, 2016 Census topics will be the same as in the previous two Censuses, with minor changes to enhance some Census questions.”

Mr Kalisch again encouraged everyone in Australia to take advantage of the fast, easy and highly secure online option when they participate on 9 August next year.

“We’re changing the way we conduct the Census to increase online participation and increase efficiency. This will make it easier for people to complete and save taxpayers money,” Mr Kalisch said.

“Paper forms will still be available for anyone who needs one, and it will be fast and easy to get one.

“The Census is compulsory, so the most important thing is that everyone participates on Census night in 2016. This will give us a full and accurate snapshot of the nation to help inform planning for the future,” he said.

For more Census information, visit the ABS website www.abs.gov.au Further information about planned 2016 Census data products and services will be published on the website in 2016.