Tomorrow, Tuesday 10 August 2021, is the Census. This is compulsory for every person in Australia, including international students, and non-participation can result in penalties and fines.
Every 5 years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) runs a Census – a national count of every person and home in Australia. Everyone in Australia must be included in the Census, including international students and visa holders. The Census helps to create a comprehensive snapshot of Australia. By knowing how many people are in Australia, the government can plan services, infrastructure and resources to cater for the population.
When is the Census?
Census night is on Tuesday 10 August 2021.
This year you can complete your Census as soon as you receive your instructions if you know who will be home on Census night. This is different to past years when you had to fill in your form on Census night.
Key dates:
- From early August: Households will receive their Census instructions
- 10 August: Census night
- Mid-August: Reminder letters will be delivered to households that have not responded
- Late August: Field staff will visit households that have not responded
- June 2022 onwards: Release of 2021 Census data starts.
What if I didn’t get my Census instructions?
Your Census instructions letter will include your Census number and temporary password. To complete the Census, you will need your Census number.
If you do not have a Census number, you can get a Census number. You will need to use a mobile phone to do this.
You can also request a Census number to complete your Census later. You’ll need to use a mobile phone to do this.
Is the Census compulsory and are there fines if I don’t do it?
Yes, the Census is compulsory for every person in Australia, including international students.
Everyone who is staying in your household on Census night must be included. This includes visitors and babies. See more detail about who to include in your form.
You can be fined up to $222 per day if you refuse to complete the Census or submit an incomplete form. You won’t be fined if you make a mistake or something is incorrect on your form, but know that providing false or misleading statements or information carries a fine of up to $2,220.
If you have difficulties completing your form or require additional help, the ABS provides support. You can also use this map to find local assistance.
Do I have to be home on Census night?
Not necessarily – you can complete your Census as soon as you receive your instructions if you know who will be home on Census night. You must complete a form for wherever you are on Census night, even if you are travelling or away for work.
See Away on Census night for more information, or tell the ABS if no one will be at home on Census night.
What information is collected by the Census?
The Census form will have nearly 50 questions about the name, age, country of birth, language spoken, occupation, disability and other details of the respondent. For a list of topics collected on the Census, and an overview of what has been asked in previous Censuses, click here.
Do I need to do the Census if I am studying online from overseas?
No. The Census includes everyone in Australia, Norfolk Island, the Territories of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island. This includes international visitors and students.
Is the Census safe?
Yes. Your personal information is kept safe and is not shared with anyone or any government agencies. You and your family can’t be identified by the information you share.
Help and support
If you have difficulties completing your form or require additional help, the ABS provides support. You can also use this map to find local assistance.
The Census forms are only in English, but language support is available. If you need information about the Census in your language, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.
You can find more information about getting help in your language here.
