2001 Census forms are on the way to every Canberran, Jul 2001

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MEDIA RELEASE

July 26, 1997
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
31/2001



2001 Census forms are on the way to every Canberran

    Keep an eye open and an ear to the doorbell for your Census Collector. Delivery of census forms to every household in Canberra was officially launched today by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Regional Director, Tracy Stewart.

    According to Mrs Stewart, the Census, on Tuesday August 7, is the largest statistical collection undertaken by the ABS and involves each and every person and household in the nation.

    "In our region it will stretch from here, in Canberra, to the highest peaks of the NSW snowfields, to the south east coast and the Victorian border.

    "Over 400 collectors will be out on every street and byway in the ACT. A collector is easily identified by their official ABS identification tag and their bright yellow collector bag. Delivery of forms will start this Saturday, July 28. Every household will have received their form by Monday August 6, for completion on Tuesday August 7.

    "For most of the population, filling in the Census form is routine, as it comes around every five years. This Census is the 14th since Federation. Every one of those Census snapshots tells a new story about Australia.

    "To commemorate Australia's Centenary of Federation the 2001 Census offers ACT people the opportunity to have their name, address and Census information stored securely for 99 years by the National Archives of Australia and then released for research purposes in the year 2100," Mrs Stewart said.

    The Census is a great national project, the best way to take stock and plan for the future. It underpins our democracy, playing its role in setting electoral boundaries; determining the number of seats in the House of Representatives; and in the allocation of financial assistance grants from the Commonwealth to States and Territories.

    "The confidentiality of Census information is protected by law. By investing less than half an hour to fill in the Census form every five years, the community reaps real rewards in terms of useable information across almost every aspect of our society.

    "Where do people need breast cancer screening clinics, hospitals, schools and sporting grounds? Where will retirees be living in 2010? Where are the best locations for retail outlets, manufacturing establishments and entertainment facilities?

    Want to know more? Visit the census website at www.abs.gov.au/census