For multicultural communities, the Census is about more than population statistics

In 2019, Gia Lam gave birth to a baby boy. Tragically, she died from sepsis caused by a urinary tract infection that went undiagnosed, according to a 2019 inquest. Lam had immigrated to Australia around 2010. Vietnamese interpreters were not always available during her hospital stay, the coroner's report stated.

Priyanka Rai, executive director of the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative, has heard countless similar stories. Lam tried to communicate her pain but the communication gap led to her suffering. Midwives noted Lam's distress but did not immediately suspect a medical issue. The upcoming Census, scheduled for August 11, collects vital information on ancestry, birthplace, and language use, shaping the allocation of translating and interpreting services.

The Census is used to inform decisions about healthcare, infrastructure, education, and more. Emily Walter, ABS Census spokesperson, emphasizes its importance in understanding community needs. However, the questionnaire contains up to 66 questions, sometimes using complex English, making it challenging for non-English speakers. Online resources exist in 26 languages, and the Translating and Interpreting Service provides assistance in over 150 languages.

For the first time, the Census will ask about gender identity and sexual orientation to better serve LGBTQI+ populations.

Researchers use Census data for various studies, while the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia stresses the need for accurate demographic data. Despite China being a leading birth country, it will not be listed separately to encourage respondents to write it in the "Other" box. This approach aims to capture the diverse languages spoken in Australian households.