ABS to conduct Census Test in August

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will conduct a large-scale Census Test in August 2025 as part of its preparation for the 2026 Census. 

Approximately 60,000 households have been selected to take part across Rockhampton, Gladstone and Yeppoon (Qld), Melbourne (Vic), Perth, Albany and the Wheatbelt region (WA), and Coonamble and Gilgandra (NSW). 

Census General Manager, Jenny Telford, said the Test is an essential part of the ABS’ preparations to ensure the 2026 Census runs smoothly and delivers a positive, safe and secure experience.

“We are testing our collection processes and IT systems to ensure our processes work well and that the form captures the right information, in the right way.”

The ABS is also partnering with Services Australia to test a new option to access the Census through myGov.

“You can complete your form as soon as you receive your instructions if you know who will be home on Census Test night, Tuesday 5 August 2025,” Ms Telford said.

“Your participation matters. By taking part, you’re helping us improve the next Census for everyone and ensure it produces high quality statistics.”

For more information about the Census Test, visit www.census.abs.gov.au/about.

More information

• Not everyone in Test locations will be asked to participate in the Census Test. If you don’t receive instructions in the mail, there’s nothing you need to do. myGov users who subscribe to Census Test updates will receive a link in their myGov Inbox when it is time to complete the Census Test.
• Participation in the Census Test is voluntary. However, the ABS asks that everyone selected participates to ensure the Census Test reflects a broad cross-section of people and communities. The locations for the Census Test were chosen using 2021 Census data.
• We’ve recently tested our approach in remote communities as part of this Test. Selected households in Katherine surrounds, NT participated in our Test in June and early July.  
• The information you provide in the Census Test is confidential. The ABS is legally required to keep data secure and not release information in a way that will identify any individual, household or business.
• The data collected in the Census Test is for testing purposes and will not be released. 
• Following the outcome of the 2026 Census topic review, the ABS is making changes to questions for 10 existing topics in the 2026 Census, as well as including a new topic of ‘sexual orientation and gender’ for people aged 16 years and older. These will be included in the Census Test.
• More information about the questions in the Census Test is available at www.census.abs.gov.au/questions
• Questions may be refined after the Census Test, with final questions for the 2026 Census to be published on the ABS website in late 2025.