WHAT IS THE CENSUS?
The Census is run every 5 years with the next one on 8 August 2006. The Census collects information from everyone in Australia on that night. It is the biggest statistical collection in Australia.
Everyone in Australia needs to be included in the Census on Tuesday 8 August.
WHY?
We need to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to help with the allocation of funding for things like housing, education, and health services.
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SUPPORT
In communities, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be employed to collect your information. A tailored form will make it easier for this information to be collected.
In cities and towns, local Indigenous assistants will be available. Ask your Collector if you need help to fill out your form.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
Please fill in the Census form for everyone who is sleeping in your house on Tuesday 8 August.
Remember to include babies, children, young people, older people, and visitors. If there will be more than 6 people please tell the Census Collector so they can give you extra Census forms. The Census Inquiry Service is available to assist you from 28th July on 1300 362 883.
WHAT TYPES OF QUESTIONS ARE ASKED?
The form contains questions about your family and the house where you stay on Census Night.
There are also questions about:
- Age and sex
- Income
- Education
- Work
- Travel
- Where you normally live
- If you do unpaid work
- If you need help because you are ill or have a disability.
IS MY INFORMATION PRIVATE?
Yes. The information you give about yourself and your family is completely private.
No-one outside the Australian Bureau of Statistics will ever see your answers. This means that Centrelink, Housing, Community Services or any other agency will not see your answers. They are not allowed to.
For more information go to Privacy and Confidentiality.
WHO USES THE INFORMATION?
The information from the Census is important for planning the future.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will provide tables and maps from the Census, which will be used for planning by many groups such as:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Communities
- Councils
- Businesses
- Universities
- Governments.
WHAT'S THIS CENSUS TIME CAPSULE?
The last Question on the Census form is an extra question on the Census Time Capsule. It gives people throughout Australia the chance to have their stories and information kept by the National Archives of Australia for 99 years.
This is optional and you can only be included if you mark the appropriate box and give your permission.