Australian Bureau of Statistics visits Norfolk Island to build engagement and recruit local staff ahead of the 2021 Census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will visit Norfolk Island this month to recruit staff and build engagement with key stakeholders in preparation for the 2021 Census.

Census Manager for Norfolk Island Dennis Robson said, ‘the major purpose of the visit is to continue engaging with community groups to ensure their continued cooperation in the lead up to the Census on Tuesday 10 August.

‘We want to ensure that our processes are effective and efficient to improve the quality of Census data for Norfolk Island.

‘The ABS visit will provide an opportunity for people to ask questions, clarify information and build awareness locally about the upcoming Census.

‘During the visit, the recruitment process will take place with applicants for the Census Field Manager position and four Field Officer positions.  

‘The successful candidates will play an important role in building Census participation across the Island and increasing response rates.’

The Norfolk Island Field Manager will lead and manage a team of four Field Officers. The Field Manager will also recruit Census Establishment Officers to facilitate enumeration within large non-private dwellings such as hotels and other residential facilities.

The Field Officers will be responsible for contacting households when dropping off and picking up Census forms and encouraging online participation.

Mr Robson added that ‘the 2021 Census will provide an important snapshot of the economic, social and cultural make up of Norfolk Island. The Census data is not only important for planning and policy development, but for supporting the Regional Council, local businesses, researchers and the Norfolk Island community more broadly’.

For more information about the Census, visit www.census.abs.gov.au.

The Census, held on Tuesday 10 August 2021, is a snapshot of who we are and tells the story of how we are changing. It is one of the largest and most important statistical collections undertaken by the ABS.

People will be able to complete the Census online, on their mobile device, or on paper. There will be a number of options available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including help from Census field staff, and phone and online help.

For the first time in Australia’s Census history, there will be a window of time to complete the Census, rather than a single night. The ABS will also introduce new questions in the 2021 Census – the first changes to questions collected in the Census since 2006. The new questions are on long-term health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, and on defence force participation.