The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) announced on Tuesday that it is undertaking a large-scale Census test in October, 2020.

Participants will include around 100,000 households from selected suburbs in Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin and Canberra, as well as the regional centres of Karratha, Warrnambool and surrounds.

Census test night is Tuesday 27 October 2020.

ABS Census manager Chris Libreri, said: “The ABS undertakes extensive planning to count every person and home in Australia for the Census. Our tests ensure the next national Census in 2021 is easy for people to complete, runs efficiently and produces quality statistics.”

In mid-October, some households in test locations will receive instructions on how to complete the Census test. Not every household in the test locations will be asked to participate.

The test is voluntary.

Around 300 temporary employment opportunities will be available in test locations. These will mainly be field operation roles and will start early October for around one month.

Mr Libreri highlighted the important action the ABS is taking to ensure public and staff safety during COVID-19.

“The ABS is monitoring the COVID-19 environment to ensure the safety measures are up to date and consistent with advice from the Department of Health. Training and support for our field staff will focus on protecting them and the community.”

Australia’s next national Census will be held in August 2021. It’s used to inform many things, from planning schools, healthcare and roads to local services for individuals, families and communities.

“The Census is for all of us. Census data has been used to plan and deliver a variety of services across Australia,” said Mr Libreri.

“For example, the Royal Flying Doctor Service uses Census population data to determine what health services are required in rural and remote areas.”

For more information about the Census test visit www.census.abs.gov.au.

Find out about employment opportunities, visit www.censusjobs.adecco.com.au.

Are you worried about next year’s Census given the COVID-19 situation?