Shed some light on Census night

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is reminding everyone in Australia, including residents and overseas tourists, to accurately complete a Census form on Census night, Tuesday, 9 August 2011.

The Census is a snapshot of the nation and accurately measures the number of people in Australia on Census night, their key characteristics, and where they live.

Head of the Population Census program, Paul Lowe says, by the 7 August everyone in Australia should have received either a Census form or information on how to access eCensus, the fast, easy and secure online option for completing the Census.

Some 29,000 Collectors will have delivered approximately 14.2 million Census forms to Australia’s 9.8 million households. Mr Lowe says your Census Collector will provide the information you need to be able to participate in the Census.

“It’s so important to complete the Census form accurately because it will shed some light on your community. Census information is used to allocate funding for critical infrastructure and services such as roads, schools, parks and hospitals,” Mr Lowe says.

With more than 100 languages spoken across Australia and a large section of society coming from a non-English speaking background, fully completed and accurate forms will help ensure no community is left out while assessing community services and needs for the future.

“Taking a few minutes to complete the Census lights the way forward for a brighter future for everyone who calls Australia home,” Mr Lowe adds.

“The ABS is expecting 30 per cent of the population will use the eCensus option, a convenient alternative to the traditional paper form, which is protected by the strongest encryption technology available,” Mr Lowe adds.

“Whichever way you take part in the Census, your information will be kept private and confidential and not shared with anyone else.”

Mr Lowe says anyone having trouble completing the Census should visit www.abs.gov.au/censushelp

The first results from the 2011 Census will be released in June 2012.

More information is available online at www.abs.gov.au/census or call the Census Inquiry Service Language Helpline on 1300 340 120.

Key Census dates

·                                                             9 August 2011 ”“ Census night.

·                                                             From 10 August ”“ Collection of Census forms.

·                                                             June 2012 ”“ The first results from the 2011 Census will be released.

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