New South Wales Census Test needs Collectors, Apr 2005

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MEDIA RELEASE

April 12, 2005
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
50/2005
New South Wales 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 New South Wales in August 2005.

The ABS will employ more than 80 people from selected areas in New South Wales to work as Collectors in the upcoming test. Collectors will be employed from Wagga Wagga, Junee, Tarcutta and surrounding areas, as well as selected suburbs of Sydney.

In Sydney, the ABS will be recruiting Collectors from:
  • Blacktown (Blacktown, Dean Park, Doonside, Marayong, Mount Druitt, Prospect, Quakers Hill and Rooty Hill).
  • Eastern Suburbs (Coogee, Chifley, Little Bay, La Perouse, Matraville, Phillip Bay and Randwick).
  • Chatswood (Chatswood, Chatswood West and Northbridge).

More than 28,000 households in selected areas of New South Wales will be taking part in the August census test, as a dress rehearsal for the national Census of Population and Housing next year.

New South Wales Census Manager, Sue Phillips 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," she 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 New South Wales for the test were chosen because they offer a diversity of conditions that will provide us with a good opportunity to test our processes,” she 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.