Act now to have your say in the Marriage Survey (Media Release)

   Page tools: Print Print Page Print all pages in this productPrint All
MEDIA RELEASE
16 October 2017
Embargo: 11:30 am (Canberra Time)
Act now to have your say in the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is urging eligible Australians who haven't yet done so to complete and return their Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey by 27 October if they wish to have their view counted.

ABS Deputy Australian Statistician and Taskforce Lead, Jonathan Palmer, said people should not delay and send back their completed survey form in the Reply Paid envelope right away.

"We'd like to ensure we have the highest participation rate possible for this voluntary survey.

“If you've filled out your form but it's still in your car, handbag or on your kitchen bench, time is running out, so post it back today," Mr Palmer said.

The ABS has already sent more than 16 million forms to eligible Australians and as of 6 October has received back more than 10 million completed surveys,” Mr Palmer said.

“We strongly recommend that you post back your completed forms straight away and certainly no later than 27 October to make sure you have your say.

“If you haven’t received your form, or it has been lost or damaged, only days remain for you to request a replacement form and have any previous form invalidated.

“Get a new form via the ABS website, visit a capital city or regional pick-up location or call the Information Line on 1800 572 113 open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week,” he said.

“There’s also a paperless option available for people travelling or living overseas or those who might find it difficult to participate because of an illness, injury or disability.

“If you’re in this group, you can request a Secure Access Code to complete an online request form on our website or call the Information Line.

“A unique 16-digit Secure Access Code will be sent to you via email or SMS. You can submit your response online or using an automated telephone service,” Mr Palmer said.

Requests for new survey forms and Secure Access Codes close on 20 October 2017.

While survey forms must be received by 6pm (local time) on 7 November 2017 to be included in the count, the more received before this date ensures they get through the postal system and arrive in time for processing. The results will be published on 15 November 2017.