Every stat tells a story – please complete your Census form tonight

Today, I am asking everyone to help tell your community’s story by filling in your Census form tonight.

Conducted every five years, the Census is the most comprehensive snapshot of our country, counting around 10 million households and over 25 million people in 2021. Your participation is vital.

The information you provide will help governments, businesses, not-for-profit and community organisations across the country make decisions. These decisions help plan and deliver services and benefits for individuals, families, and communities across Australia.

Every household and every person in Australia on Census night must be counted. This includes international students and visitors, visa holders and newborn babies.

You can complete the Census on your PC, mobile device, or on paper if you prefer. Help is available for those who need it, including through our online and phone services.

It takes the average household 30 minutes to complete the Census.

This Census will also provide the first major data insights showing the impacts of COVID-19 and telling the story of how the pandemic has changed our lives. This data will help inform decisions about healthcare, employment and support programs. This will help us to understand the pandemic’s impacts on our community and plan for its aftermath.

By completing your Census, you will be playing your part in helping to provide a picture of the economic, social, and cultural make up of Australia.

Thank you to the millions of households who have already completed the Census. For those who haven’t responded to the Census yet, tonight is your opportunity to contribute to your community, and to Australia. As our campaign message says, ‘Every stat tells a story’.  Please tell us yours.

Further information is available at www.census.abs.gov.au.

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.

A number of options will be available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including help from Census staff, and phone and online help.

Census staff will be in remote communities to help people complete the Census during July and August.

What is new with the Census?
People can 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.

There are two 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 is available 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.

Further information is available in the media backgrounders on the Census Media Hub.

• For media requests and interviews, contact the ABS Media Team on media@abs.gov.au or 1300 175 070.
• Subscribe to our email notification service and get media releases or products sent to you on release.