Census myths debunked: What's true and what's not
The Census raises some questions and a few myths. Here's what you need to know.
In 2021, over 25 million Australians participated in the Census of Population and Housing, providing the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) with a comprehensive view of the nation's diversity. Over half of the population reported having a parent born overseas, and more than 400 languages were spoken, including more than 180 Indigenous languages.
On Tuesday, August 11, Australians will again be asked to share personal information in the 2026 Census. The questionnaire is mandatory for everyone in Australia, including international visitors, refugees, and migrants, on Census night. The ABS spokesperson, Emily Walter, clarified that the Census is not a test or graded assessment tool but a self-reported questionnaire, and respondents should provide the information that best represents them.
The more honest the responses, the more accurately the data reflects Australia's population. The ABS has implemented strict measures to protect personal information, such as separating names and addresses from other data, with the law ensuring confidentiality. The Census is used to inform funding for essential services like schools, hospitals, libraries, and public transportation, with responses influencing the location and availability of English classes for newly settled migrants.
The Census must be completed in English, but information is available in 26 languages, and the Translating and Interpreting Service provides interpreters for over 150 languages. The ABS employed around 30,000 field staff to accommodate diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, and individuals in regional and rural areas.
The Census can be completed online or on paper, and one person typically completes it for the entire household. Individuals can complete the Census before the night if they know their location, and if they wish to complete it separately from their household, they can contact the Census Contact Centre for login details. Respondents can choose not to answer the religion, gender, and sexual orientation questions, ensuring privacy and comfort.
If multiple forms are submitted for the same person, the ABS retains the one with the most complete information.
Written by urgent.news from SBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
