Okay, everybody. Prepare for a night in the van with the laptop out or the pen hand ready. The 2011 Census night is coming … and there is no escape!
Collectors have already begun hitting the streets in order to deliver 14.2 million census forms to 9.8 million households … and on August 9 it’s time to let the powers-that-be know where you live and how you live.
Easy isn’t it? “We’re free, Mr Statistician … we’re free!”
For those of you staying at caravan parks or campsites, census packs can be collected from special census collectors at tourist information centres or recognised truck stops on August 9. Exact collection locations are available by visiting www.abs.gov.au/censushelp or calling the Census Inquiry Service on 1300 338 776.
As well as the traditional paper form, an online option, eCensus, is being made available at www.census.gov.au. We are told that if you decide to complete an eCensus form, you will need a computer that is connected to the internet, an internet browser such as Internet Explorer V7 or later, Firefox V3 or later, Safari 4 or later or Google Chrome V3. A census form number and an eCensus number is also needed.
The Head of the Population Census program Paul Lowe says it’s the second time the eCensus option has been available.
“We’re expecting 30 per-cent of the population will choose the eCensus option,” he said. “But there is plenty of reserve capacity to cope with more people than this choosing the online option.”
While the census should be completed on August 9, the eCensus website is already open and will remain so until September 5.
Participating in the census is compulsory as dictated by the Census and Statistics Act 1905. Data aims to accurately count the number of people in Australia, their key characteristics, and the dwellings in which they live.
Mr Lowe said an accurate census count will help people get the services they needed.
“Sporting facilities, education and health services are all planned using Census information so we need everyone in your household counted,” he said. “If you need some help completing your Census form, the ABS has employed local staff across Australia who can help you fill out your form.”
The information people give about themselves or their families on the Census form is completely secret and will not be shared with other government agencies such as Centrelink, the Department of Housing, the Department of Community Services or the Tax Office.
