Don’t wait, complete your Census today

Media Release
Released
19/08/2026
Release date and time
19/08/2026 11:00am AEST

Census night was Tuesday 11 August. 

For households that haven’t competed their Census yet, do it now. 

The Census is compulsory, and every person in Australia on Census night must be counted. This includes international students, visitors, visa holders and babies.

If a household doesn’t have a Census letter, needs help completing their form, or would prefer a paper form, we're here to help. 

Complete the Census online or call 1800 181 227.

Every response is important to ensure communities are accurately represented and services can be planned where they're needed most.

For support and information, visit census.abs.gov.au 

Quote attributable to Emily Walter, Census national spokesperson

Thank you to every household that has already completed their Census. 

The Census is compulsory. If you haven’t completed it yet, this is your reminder to do it now. 

In the coming weeks, households that have not completed the Census may receive a reminder letter or a visit from Census field staff. 

If someone visits your home claiming to be a Census Field Officer, ask to see their identification card.

To complete your Census, contact us on 1800 181 227 or visit census.abs.gov.au

Media notes

  • Census night was on Tuesday 11 August 2026. People should complete their Census based on where they stayed on Census night.
  • More than nine million households have completed their Census so far. A state and territory breakdown of Census participation is available here.
  • For any media requests, email media@abs.gov.au or call 1300 175 070 with your questions and deadline.
  • Explore our Data Crash Course for guidance on finding and interpreting ABS data, and subscribe to our release notifications to stay updated.
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