Family historians ask Australia to tick 'yes' in Census Time Capsule, Jul 2001

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MEDIA RELEASE

July 11, 2001
Embargoed 11:30am (AEST)
C22/2001

Family historians ask Australia to tick 'yes' in Census Time Capsule

Family historians, both professionals and hobbyists alike, want all people in Australia to tick "Yes, agrees" when they reach the last question on the 2001 census form, to be completed on Census Night, Tuesday 7 August.

The question is about the Census Time Capsule. It asks whether each member of the household agrees to his/her name and address and other information on the census form being kept by the National Archives of Australia (NAA) and then made publicly available after 99 years.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), people wanting to be included in the Census Time Capsule, simply tick the box "Yes, agrees", ensure the form is signed and their name, address and census details will be preserved on microfilm and stored securely by the National Archives until 2100.

Leading Australian genealogist and maritime historian, Mr Nick Vine Hall, chairs the Census Working Party for The Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations (AFFHO) and is a key spokesman for their campaign to encourage full participation in the time capsule.

"The Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations applauds the Government's decision to save the 2001 Census in the National Archives of Australia for use in future historical and genealogical research.

"We are working together with the Government and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to ensure the 2001 Census is an outstanding success for all concerned.

"We would like to see all Australians fill in their forms accurately and with confidence that their privacy and history will be preserved and respected."


Answering the question is optional. If a person ticks the box "No, does not agree", leaves the box blank, or the form is not signed, then all records containing their name and address information will be destroyed once statistical processing is completed.

People can receive a free information booklet about the Census Time Capsule. Call 1300 660 664 (local call charges apply) or visit www.abs.gov.au/census for more information.


FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESOURCES FOR THE MEDIA:

Comprehensive file footage vision has been supplied to networks, extra copies are available on request. A CD ROM of high resolution census images is also available on request.

Visit www.census.gov.au/media for media releases and other media material: articles, fact sheets, images and story angles.
ABS census public affairs staff, both at the National Census Communications Unit in Canberra and in all States and Territories, will help wherever, whenever we can.