eCensus makes the Census easy

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Media release –
National

eCensus makes the Census easy

25 July 2011 | CO/31

Australians can now complete their Census form online using eCensus.

eCensus is a fast, easy and secure alternative to the traditional paper form, with online help available.

This Census, Collectors will give households the option of completing the traditional paper form or eCensus.

eCensus isn’t restricted to your home computer and can be completed using a dial up internet connection.

If you decide to complete an eCensus form you will require:

access to a computer that is connected to the Internet
an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer v7 or later, Firefox v3 or later, Safari 4 or later or Google Chrome v3
a Census form number
eCensus number
the web address: www.census.gov.au

Head of the Population Census program, Paul Lowe says it’s the second time the eCensus option has been available.

“We’re expecting 30 per cent of the population will choose the eCensus option, but there is plenty of reserve capacity to cope with more people than this choosing the online option,” Mr Lowe says.

eCensus has undergone rigorous third party testing to ensure privacy and is protected by the strongest encryption technology. The level of security is similar to that for internet banking, which is used by millions of Australians each year.

The Census should be completed on Census night, 9 August 2011. However the eCensus website is open from 28 July 2011 until 5 September 2011.

More information is available online at www.abs.gov.au/census or call the Census Inquiry Service on 1300 338 776.