2903.0.55.002 - How Australia Takes a Census, 2006  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 15/08/2006  First Issue
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MEDIA RELEASE

August 14, 2006
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
ACT53/2006
Do not leave completed Census forms outside

Households are urged not to leave their completed Census form outside for their collector to pick up. This threatens the privacy of their personal information.

Census Collectors are currently visiting households across Australia to pick up the completed Census forms personally. This ensures that private information will never be available to anyone outside the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The only other way that hard copy Census forms can be returned is via a reply paid mailback envelope. This envelope must be requested from the ABS.

If a household has completed a Census form online, their local Census Collector will receive a SMS text message via mobile phone and will not return.

According to manager of south east NSW and ACT Census operations, Alan Masters, it is important that people's personal information remains confidential.

"The ABS takes privacy of personal information very seriously. We have strict procedures in place so that your personal details remain confidential," said Alan.

"The last thing we want is to have your completed Census form in someone else's hand or find it blowing down the road.

"Confidentiality of information has never been breached in the ABS's 100-year history and we will do everything possible to maintain our strong reputation of trust."

People who have inquiries can call the Census Inquiry Service on 1300 362 883. There is also a Telephone Typewriter facility to assist people with hearing impairments on 1300 364 365.