Say yes to your census data being shared in 99 years – for Australian history, and for your children
The census gives you the option to preserve your records, to be released after 99 years. We should all consent.
The author of this article, born in the United States, was able to view their original 1950 census record in 2022. This allowed them to uncover a family secret that had been kept hidden for decades. In Australia, census records have been preserved since 2001, with the option to opt in to their release after 99 years. This policy was established to allow for new insights into lesser-known families and community structures.
While many Australian politicians opposed keeping census records due to embarrassment over convict ancestry or the desire to conceal confabulated histories, the United States has also faced similar concerns. However, just like in the US, Australian census records hold valuable historical and genealogical information. Preserving these records, even if only for a century, can provide future generations with a deeper understanding of their ancestors' lives and the communities they lived in.
The author argues that the current 99-year preservation period is too lenient and suggests making it compulsory, with a shorter 40-50 year preservation period for more recent generations.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
