Census test kicking off across Australia
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has announced that its large-scale Census test of around 100,000 households across Australia will start rolling out this week.
ABS Census executive director and national spokesperson, Andrew Henderson, said the test was part of the extensive planning for the next Census in August 2021.
“This is the biggest test we’ll run before the Census to make sure it is easy for people to complete, our processes work and the Census form captures information accurately,” Mr Henderson said.
“Please take part if you’re selected for the test. Your participation will help us make sure the next Census is successful and produces the highest quality data.
“This data is used to plan and deliver infrastructure and services across the country – things that individuals, families and communities use every day like schools, health care, transport and roads.
“Census data has also been crucial during the coronavirus pandemic to help model the economic and social impacts of COVID-19,” he said.
Mr Henderson explained that households selected for the test will soon receive a letter or form with instructions on how to take part.
“You can complete your test form as soon as you receive your instructions if you know who will be at home on Census test night Tuesday 27 October 2020,” Mr Henderson said.
“You can also do it on Census test night or afterwards. This window of time, rather than a single night, will also be available for the Census next year – for the first time in the history of the Census.
“We know people expect flexibility and convenience, so this will make it easier for people to fill in their form when it best suits them,” he said.
The last Australian Census increased the retention period for names and addresses from 18 months in the 2006 and 2011 censuses to four years in the 2016 Census. That move prompted Australian Senate crossbenchers to suggest not filling out those sections on the Census over privacy concerns.
These concerns were heightened as it was the first time online submission was preferred over the traditional paper forms.
They are yet to indicate whether they will make the same recommendations next year.
For more information about the Census test visit www.census.abs.gov.au.
Have you been selected to take part in the Census test? What questions have you noticed that are different? Will you be providing your name and address details?
I filled in my Census test today. Nothing complicated and I did provide my name and address. I've got nothing
to hide. They asked the usual questions, how many live at your house, were you at this address during the last
Census. They send you a receipt when you have finished it. If you don't reply they will send you a reminder and if
you still don't reply you can expect a visit from a Census Field Officer.