Norfolk Islanders invited to participate as preparations begin for the 2026 Census

With just seven months to go until the 2026 Census on 11 August, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is hiring local staff to support Norfolk Islanders to participate.

Census Manager for Norfolk Island Paul Jones said the ABS is currently looking to fill one Census Field Manager and one Mobile Field Representative job.

The Field Manager begins in late April to lead and manage a team of four Field Officers who will be hired from July. They will also work with accommodation providers like hotels, to support residents and visitors completing a Census form.

Field Officers will be responsible for dropping off and picking up Census forms and encouraging online Census completion.  

Additionally, as part of preparations for Census night, two ABS staff will visit Norfolk Island in early February.

While on Norfolk Island, the staff will engage with key stakeholders on the ABS’ plans for the Census including Administrator George Plant, the Norfolk Island Regional Council and other community stakeholders.

Mr Jones said this visit will help the ABS to ensure 2026 Census preparations reflect the unique needs of the community.

This is the first of several visits the ABS is planning, with further engagement opportunities throughout 2026.

The ABS is committed to working with the local community in the lead up to Census night to ensure the Census collects good quality data.

Census data informs planning and policy development, and supports decision making by government, businesses, organisations, researchers and the Norfolk Island community.

For more information about the jobs and how to apply, visit https://census.abs.gov.au/jobs

The Census is held every five years. It’s a snapshot of who we are, and how we are changing. Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026.

It’s used to inform important decisions about schools, health care, infrastructure and business. It also helps plan local services for individuals, families and communities.  

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

People will be able to complete the Census online, or on paper. A number of options will be available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including help from Census field staff, and phone or online help.

The Census is compulsory. Everyone in Australia on Tuesday 11 August 2026, including Norfolk Island, the Territories of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island, must be included on a Census form. This includes international students, visitors, visa holders and babies.