Census instructions arriving in letterboxes across Australia

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has started sending instructions on how to complete the Census to more than 10 million Australian households ahead of the Census on Tuesday 10 August. Around 85% of all households in Australia will receive a letter that explains how to complete online or how to order a paper form. 

Some households may receive a paper form and a reply-paid envelope for its return instead. This includes international students and visitors staying in venues such as hotels, camping grounds or student accommodation. There are instructions on the paper form if they prefer to complete it online.

Andrew Henderson, Census Executive Director and National Spokesperson said, “please check your letterbox. We’re encouraging people to complete their Census, as soon as they receive their instructions, if they know where they will be on Tuesday 10 August.

“This means you don’t have to wait and complete on a single night. We know this flexibility will make it more convenient for people to complete.

“People will be able to complete the Census online, on their mobile device or on paper. We’re also making it as easy as possible for everyone to participate in the Census with a range of support and assistance available.”

Mr Henderson stressed the importance of supporting multicultural communities to be counted in the Census.  

“Census information, such as country of birth and languages spoken at home helps inform important services and support for migrant and refugee communities across Australia.

“There will be face-to-face support available where COVID-19 restrictions allow, including pop-up-hubs, and fill-in-the-form sessions. 

“If you’re currently in lockdown, there is in-language help available. Translated information is on our website, or you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.”

Omer Incekara, Advisory Board Member of Multicultural NSW and 2021 Census supporter calls on multicultural Australia to participate.  

“Census data is used to inform important decisions by community organisations, government and businesses about services and initiatives that directly impact and can support our communities. 

“Each and every person in Australia can make a difference to their communities, just by being counted. Language and country of birth figures are critical as they help to provide a snapshot of our growing and changing multicultural populations.” 

For more information in your language, visit www.census.abs.gov.au/language 

More information 

What is the Census?
The Census, held on Tuesday 10 August 2021, is a snapshot of who we are and tells the story of how we are changing. It is one of the largest and most important statistical collections undertaken by the ABS.

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

For in-language support, people can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.

Census staff will be in remote communities to help people complete the Census during July and August.

What is new with the Census?
People can complete their Census as soon as they receive their instructions if they know where they’ll be on 10 August. They don’t have to wait until Census night. 

There are two new questions in the 2021 Census – the first changes to questions collected since 2006. The new questions are on long-term health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, and on defence force participation.

Conducting the Census in a COVID environment
We expect most people will complete their Census online with no in-person contact from us. In some locations, we won’t be able to offer face to face help. However, there are other ways to get help with your Census.

More information on conducting the Census in a COVID-19 environment can be found at Keeping the community safe during COVID-19 | 2021 Census (abs.gov.au)

How do people know if the Census instructions are legitimate?
Census instructions will feature the official Australian Bureau of Statistics logo and the 2021 Census branding. Further information about what the public can expect from us is available at Avoiding scams and false information | 2021 Census (abs.gov.au)

What languages are information and resources available in?

Ads are being translated in up to 29 languages, depending on the channel. There will be in-language advertising across television, radio, print, outdoor channels, digital and social. There are also printed resources, case studies and videos available at www.census.abs.gov.au/language.