Families reminded to include children in the 2021 Census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) welcomes the arrival of Australia’s youngest residents born just in time to be counted in the 2021 Census on Tuesday 10 August. It’s a timely reminder for parents and carers to include all children in their care on Census night on the household form.

Data from the 2016 Census showed 1 in 20 children aged 0-4 were not included on Census forms that year. That’s 5.1% of kids in Australia on Census night missing from the household form at the place they were staying.

Averil Templar, Census Executive at the ABS said, “In the lead up to the Census, we want to welcome Australia’s newest additions and highlight the importance of including newborns on your Census form.

“Welcoming a baby into the world is a very exciting time for parents and to help them get the best start to life, we’re reminding families across Australia about the significance of counting their newborns this Census,” Ms Templar said.

Organisations like Playgroup NSW use Census data to help plan where a playgroup would be beneficial to local families. 

Nadene Lee, CEO of Playgroup NSW said, “Census data gives us insights into population, age, and other important statistics which helps us create the best possible impact through play-based programs and services”.

“Information collected by the Census is used to inform important decisions that affect families like local playgroups, health care, schools and transport, so including your children on your Census form will help to build a better future for your family,” Ms Templar said.

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 are encouraged to complete their Census as soon as they receive their instructions, if they know where they’ll be on 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.

Conducting the Census in a COVID environment
We expect most people will complete their Census online with no in-person contact from us.

More information on conducting the Census in a COVID-19 environment can be found at Keeping the community safe during COVID-19.

How do people know if the Census instructions are legitimate?
Census instructions will feature the official Australian Bureau of Statistics logo and the 2021 Census branding. Further information about what the public can expect from us is available at identifying and avoiding scams.