Progress report on public submissions on content and procedures


This report provides an update on the 2016 Census of Population and Housing public consultation process and outlines key themes emerging from submissions received so far. There is still time to complete a submission. Another update on the submission process will be provided in early May.


Background


The public consultation process for the 2016 Census is currently underway and closes on Friday, 31 May 2013. The consultation process began in November 2012 with the release of the publication Census of Population and Housing: Consultation on Content and Procedures, 2016 (cat. no. 2007.0). Public information sessions were held in all capital cities during November and December 2012.

Once submissions have closed, recommendations on the nature and content of the 2016 Census will be discussed with the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) in late 2013. These recommendations will also consider the public submissions received in the lead up to the 2011 Census, but were later deferred due to the decision to conduct the 2011 Census with minimal change because of financial constraints.

The ABS will make a submission to Government in mid-2014, outlining recommendations on the nature and content of the 2016 Census. The content of the 2016 Census is expected to be finalised by the end of 2014. If you provided a submission you will be advised of the outcome at this time.


Submissions received


As of 22 March 2013, there have been 43 submissions received about the content of the 2016 Census. An additional 44 submissions were received as part of the public consultation process for the 2011 Census. These submissions have been received from private individuals and organisations.

The ABS thanks those who have taken the time and effort to make submissions and we look forward to receiving many more submissions throughout the consultation period. The ABS will then begin the difficult process of determining its recommendations on what can be accommodated in the 2016 Census form and what will need to be left out.

So far, submissions have been received on 26 of the 49 topics described in Census of Population and Housing: Consultation on Content and Procedures, 2016 (cat. no. 2007.0).

For a list of submissions received, go to the List of submissions page.

For a summary of the content and themes of the submissions, go to the Submissions content page.

Lodging a submission


The closing date for submissions is Friday, 31 May 2013.

The ABS encourages interested parties to take the opportunity to make a submission online via the ABS website or to download a paper form. This is an opportunity to have your say on the 2016 Census.

To make a submission, go to 2016 Census: An opportunity to have your say.