Every person to be counted in 2021 Census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today launched the 2021 Census campaign, with national advertising starting on Sunday 4 July.

The campaign will support the roll-out of Australia’s 18th Census, which is being held on Tuesday 10 August.

The 2021 Census message is that ‘Every stat tells a story’. The campaign will include tailored communication in up to 29 languages to help ensure Australia’s multicultural communities are informed and ready to participate.

Chris Libreri, Census General Manager, said the 2016 Census showed that our diversity is increasing.

“With nearly half of Australians either born overseas or with one or both parents born overseas, it’s important for our multicultural communities to have information about the Census in their  language, in particular new migrants who will be doing the Australian Census for the first time.

“Our advertising features real-life examples of how Census data has benefited multicultural communities. This includes community services for new migrants and activities to keep older people healthy and connected,” Mr Libreri said.

Many people don’t realise that information collected in the Census, such as country of birth and languages spoken at home, helps inform important services and support for migrant and refugee communities across Australia.

“That’s why everyone who is in Australia on Census night needs to complete—it doesn’t matter if you’re a citizen, a resident, or just visiting,” Mr Libreri said.

Census staff are working with local community groups and stakeholders across the country to be Census-ready.

“We’ve focused on hiring field staff who speak languages other than English and reflect the diversity of the communities they’ll be working in,” Mr Libreri said.

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) is available on 131 450 to assist those requiring additional in-language support. TIS provides access to interpreters who speak more than 160 languages.

This year, people can start their Census as soon as they receive instructions if they know where they’ll be on Tuesday 10 August.

For information in your language, visit www.census.abs.gov.au/language.

What is the Census?

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.

How will people complete their Census?

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.

What’s new with the Census?

People will be encouraged to complete their Census as soon as they receive their instructions, if they know where they’ll be on Tuesday 10 August. They don’t have to wait until Census night. The ABS will also introduce new questions in the 2021 Census—the first changes to questions collected since 2006. The new questions are on long-term health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, and on defence force participation.

What in-language advertising will be available?

Ads are being translated in up to 29 languages, depending on the channel. There will be in-language advertising across television, radio, print, outdoor channels, digital and social.

1. Arabic
2. Assyrian
3. Burmese/ Mynamar
4. Cantonese
5. Croatian
6. Dari
7. Farsi
8. Filipino/ Tagalog
9. Greek
10. Indonesia / Bahasa
11. Hindi
12. Italian
13. Japanese
14. Khmer
15. Korean
16. Macedonian
17. Mandarin
18. Nepali
19. Polish
20. Portuguese
21. Punjabi
22. Russian
23. Serbian
24. Spanish
25. Tamil
26. Thai
27. Turkish
28. Urdu
29. Vietnamese