South Australian Census Test needs Collectors, Apr 2005

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South Australian Census Test needs Collectors


The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) needs keen people with community spirit to work as Collectors in the census test being conducted in selected areas of South Australia in August 2005.

The ABS will employ approximately 40 people from selected areas in South Australia to work as Collectors in the upcoming test. These people will live in the:
  • Adelaide suburbs of Angle Park, Mansfield Park, Osborne, Taperoo, Glenelg, Glenelg North, Camden Park and Plympton.
  • Adelaide Hills suburbs of Crafers, Stirling, Bridgewater, Heathfield and Aldgate.
  • Township of Murray Bridge.

More than 11,000 households in selected areas of South Australia will be taking part in the August census test, as a dress rehearsal for the national Census of Population and Housing next year.

South Australian Regional Director, Ian Crettenden said that the lessons learnt from recruiting people during this test will go a long way towards conducting next year's biggest-ever peacetime recruitment drive for temporary staff by a single organisation.

"Collectors play an important part in the success of the census and their work is one of the reasons Australia is a world leader in census response rates," he said.

"Collectors for the August test are fully trained and will be paid according to their workload.

“Collectors with official identification will be responsible for the delivery and collection of census test forms from all households in the selected areas.

The census test will take place on Tuesday 9 August 2005 and is an integral part of the seven-year census planning cycle.

The test ensures that all elements of the census are rigorously tested, including recruitment strategies, questionnaire development, as well as delivery and collection procedures.

“The areas selected in South Australia for the test were chosen because they offer a diversity of conditions that will provide us with a good opportunity to test our processes,” he said. "Conditions like the delivery and collection differences in urban and regional areas, access to secured buildings and conducting the census in locations like nursing homes and caravan parks."

Becoming a census test worker means people are contributing to the future of Australia. It is for those who like to get out and about, meet people and engage in an important national project that touches all of our lives.

People from the selected test areas can apply on-line at <www.abs.gov.au/recruitment> or call 1300 236 787. Applications close 22 April 2005.