Media release –
New South Wales
Parents and their newborns 'heart' Census5 August 2011 | NSW/106Census night is coming up on Tuesday, 9 August 2011 and everyone in Australia will be counted, including parents and their new born babies. To celebrate the Census the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has issued some of Australia’s newest arrivals with baby t-shirts that feature the Census slogan ‘I heart Census’. Speaking at the Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick today NSW Census Director Mark Harding said that everyone in Australia must be included on a Census form, irrespective of their age. “It doesn’t matter if you’re one or 100, by being on a Census form you’re helping to ensure that we get an accurate snapshot of Australia,” Mr Harding said. The Census provides important information to decision makers and communities to assist planning for health services, childcare, education and recreational facilities. “Children born before midnight on Census night, Tuesday, 9 August should be included on a Census form. If a child is born at 11:59:59 they’ll be counted in the 2011 Census," Mr Harding said. "It's vital that all children, no matter how young or small, are included in the Census so that decision makers count them when they are planning for services that will affect their future and wellbeing. "I myself have a six year old son and a four year old daughter. My son was counted in the last Census five years ago and I'm excited about making sure that my daughter is counted this Census," Mr Harding added. ABS data reveals a child is born in Australia every one minute and 46 seconds. For more information visit www.abs.gov.au/census or call 1300 338 776 |