Media release –
National
Time is running out to complete your Census13 September 2016 | CO/106With only ten days until the online form formally closes on Friday, 23 September and less than a week left to return your paper form, time is running out to complete your Census. Head of the 2016 Census, Duncan Young, said the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has now received more than 90 per cent of responses from Australian households, and two million more online forms than in 2011. “If you’re among the less than one in ten households in Australia that hasn’t completed your Census, now is the time to get it done. Don’t wait until the last minute or until it’s too late,” Mr Young said. “If you have your 12-digit online login number or paper form at home, complete it today before it’s too late. “And don’t forget to hit ‘submit’ at the end of the online form or to post the paper form in the provided blue reply paid envelope.” The vast majority of people in Australia have now willingly completed the Census and Field Officers continue to visit households that haven’t completed their forms. They will issue households with final reminder letters after visiting multiple times. “If you’re experiencing difficulties with the form, Census Field Officers are visiting households and can help you with any issues you have. Alternatively you can call the Census Inquiry Service which will operate until the end of September,” Mr Young said. “Remember, fill in your form in relation to the night of Tuesday, 9 August 2016. “The Census is compulsory. If a person refuses to participate in the Census, the Australian Statistician has the power under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 to direct them in writing to do so. “In the rare case a person chooses not to follow this direction, the matter can be referred to the Director of Public Prosecution, at which point fines for non-compliance can be issued.” For further information about the Census visit census.abs.gov.au or for assistance, please call the Census Inquiry Service between 8.00am and 8.00pm daily on XXXX XXX XXX. Background information on the 2016 Census of Population and HousingData collected from the 2016 Census will support funding decisions for services and infrastructure including housing, transport, education, industry, hospitals, and the environment.The 2011 Census covered 98 per cent of the population, placing Australia as a world leader in Census participation. From 2006–2011 there was an 8.3 per cent increase in the Australian population— what will 2016 Census show you? Media inquiriesNational Media Manager (P) 02 6252 6617, 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday or 0429 955 731 outside of business hours (E) census.media@abs.gov.auThe ABS is committed to upholding the privacy, confidentiality and security of all the personal information it collects. Read more about our approach to privacy and our privacy policy on the ABS website. |