Media release –
Western Australia
Help keep our Census Field Officers out of harm’s way19 August 2014 | WA/72The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is encouraging pet owners to ensure their pets do not pose a threat to Census Field Officers when they begin visiting selected households in parts of Western Australia for a Census field test. From Wednesday, 20 August, Census Field Officers will start making follow-up calls to households selected to take part in the Census field test that haven’t yet responded. ABS Western Australia Regional Director, Tom Joseph said Census Field Officers will be helping to trial new Census collection procedures in the area until Tuesday, 5 September 2014. “The Census field test is an important step in helping the ABS capture a true snapshot of Australia when the next national Census in undertaken in August 2016,” Mr Joseph said. “Every answer will help us conduct a successful test. Please ensure your dog or other large pets are properly controlled so a Census Field Officer can knock on your door.” Mr Joseph added that a visit from a Census Field Officer can be avoided if selected households complete their form online using the instruction letter from the ABS, which includes a form ID and passcode. “If you have been selected to participate in the test you should have received a letter from the ABS addressed ‘To the Resident’ between 23 July and 4 August 2014,” Mr Joseph said. “Completing the form online as soon as possible will avoid the need for a visit from a Census Field Officer. It’s fast, easy, secure and environmentally friendly. “For households who received a paper form, this can be completed and mailed back to the ABS in the Reply Paid Envelope provided. “Early completion of the form will save you a visit from a Census Field Officer, but if a Field Officer is in your area, please make sure your dog does not pose a threat.” All information provided in the Census is kept secure and confidential to the ABS. No information is released in a way that can identify any particular individual or household. To get more information about the Census, visit www.abs.gov.au/census or for assistance call the Census Inquiry Service on 1800 138 756. FURTHER INFORMATION Media requests and interviews Communications Section 1300 175 070 |