Everything you need to know about the upcoming national headcount on August 11
Updated ,first published
The Australian Bureau of Statistics hopes national headcount will increase smoothly for the first time in years.
The census will be held on August 11 and more than seven years of work and planning will be at stake as millions of Australians answer 66 questions about their ancestry, religion, gender, income and even whether they rode an e-bike to work that day.
More than 30,000 personnel will be involved in carrying out the census in 25 languages. Collectively, they are expected to travel more than 10 million kilometers.
After the 2021 census was disrupted by COVID and the 2016 census when a series of denial-of-service attacks prevented people from filling out online surveys, there are hopes that this year’s counts will go smoothly.
Although census night is August 11, most Australians will start receiving census materials by the end of the month. People will be able to start filling out the census form immediately as of August 11, provided that the answers reflect their own situation.
Bureau staff will also contact hotels, hospitals and caravan parks to ensure people away from home can be counted.
This also includes those who do not have a home.
ABS staff will accompany St Vincent de Paul staff throughout census week as they assist people using the organisation’s emergency shelter or living in difficult circumstances.
Counting the number of homeless people is a constant challenge for the bureau. In some cases, when homeless people do not want to be found, census forms (printed or online versions) can be particularly difficult to deliver to people without a fixed address.
According to the 2021 census, 122,494 people are estimated to be experiencing homelessness, a 5.2 percent increase on the 2016 figure. However, in terms of the total population, the homelessness rate has decreased slightly.
However, the 2021 census was disrupted due to Covid-19-related restrictions.
St Vincent de Paul NSW housing and homelessness manager Anna Scott said the census was an important opportunity for governments and social organizations to understand the extent of homelessness.
He said the rise in the cost of living had led to increased demand for St Vincent de Paul services. Given the disruptions to the 2021 national census, this year’s census will provide an insight into the number of people struggling to find housing.
“We need people who understand the scope and magnitude of the homeless crisis facing the country,” Scott said.
“The situation is getting worse. Demand is increasing; we’re seeing the changing face of homelessness. We’re seeing people working, the cost of living crisis really having an impact, lots of older people, people on insecure visas.”
The first full results of this year’s census will be released next year.
The census documented significant changes in the community since it was first conducted in 1911. In the first national census, 25 men and seven women described themselves as “surprising” when asked about their religion. According to the 2011 census, there were 64,390 Jedi.
David Gruen, the nation’s chief statistician, said the questions also change over time. The 1947 census was the only time the public was asked if they had flush toilets.
Just over half did so, while 3 percent shared a flush toilet with a neighbor.
In addition to counting the number of people in the country, information from the census affects everything from federal electorates to the allocation of GST among states and territories, Gruen said.
“Census data plays a critical role in improving Australia’s economic and social infrastructure,” he said. “It’s not just used by governments.
“Census data helps inform investment decisions for businesses large and small. It reveals emerging opportunities for new businesses and helps existing businesses find new markets.”
Almost 80 percent of all census forms in 2021 were completed online. The bureau expects an 85 percent online completion rate this year.
However, people who prefer a paper form also have the opportunity to request one. And, as in previous censuses, they will be able to wait until official night to fill out the form.
People can fill out the census form separately from their household.
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Shane Wright is senior economic correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect with: X or email.
