Survey participant information

Most people in Australia have completed a Census. But many people don’t know that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) runs smaller surveys each year. These include surveys for people, households, and businesses. They help build a clearer picture of everyday life in Australia.

The ABS collects a variety of information that helps shape life in Australia. 

Your survey information helps policymakers see what different communities need. This way, they can make informed decisions about services, programs, and policies that impact all people in Australia.

When you take part in an ABS survey, you help ensure that the voices of people like you are heard.

The easiest way to complete your ABS survey is online.

If it’s your first time completing an online ABS survey, you will need to create an ABS Survey Account.

Once your account is set up, enter the Form Access Code from the letter you received to access your survey.

For more information on how to complete your survey, please refer to the letter or email we sent you.

For help creating an account, please refer to create or log into your account.

For help completing your survey online, please refer to complete or access your survey form.

If you can't go online or need further help, please contact us.

We want to help make the survey submission process as easy as possible for you. 

The ABS surveys are collected under the Census and Statistics Act 1905. When you are first selected for an ABS survey, you are being requested to complete it. 

The Australian Statistician can also formally direct you in writing to provide the information. If this happens, then just like other civic duties such as voting or jury duty, you will have an obligation to participate.

When you submit an ABS survey, your personal details are removed from your answers to protect your privacy. The data you submit is then combined with all other submitted surveys. This is called aggregation.

This aggregation means that no one can identify an individual person's answers from the others. The combined data is used to understand the experiences of people living in Australia. The ABS publishes a summary of this on the Statistics page.

Your privacy is protected under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and the Privacy Act 1988. The ABS cannot publish information that is likely to identify you. All published statistics are anonymised. 

Learn more about how we protect your information in our privacy and security for ABS surveys and data confidentiality guide.

Find out more about: business surveys.

Find out more about: household surveys.

Find out more about: ABS legislation.