Census 2021 guide: What is the census and when do I need to complete it
The 2021 Census is this week and with much of Greater Sydney and surrounds in strict lockdowns, this year’s promises to be very different. Here’s what you need to know.
NSW
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The team behind this year’s census have war-gamed their online submission methods after being forced to pull the site down five years ago over privacy concerns and a global pandemic.
Not only has Covid-19 plunged Greater Sydney and surrounds into a fierce lockdown but the team have had to recover after the 2016 online census form trended globally as #CensusFail after a cyber attack forced it to be pulled down.
Online submissions are expected to increase from 63 per cent to 75 per cent this year and the ABS has put the new website through the wringer ahead of August 10.
Now the team is delivering the “most accessible” Census yet to ensure Australians across the country can get involved.
Australian Bureau of Statistics Executive Director Andrew Henderson said a new online submission form and security measures have been developed, as well as support and help options.
“Information about the Census will be provided in different ways, including in Braille, large print formats, audio, Auslan videos with closed captions and easy-to-read guides,” he said.
There will be 66 Australian Sign Language video guides, with all video content including closed captioning and transcripts and Braille or large print forms available also.
In addition to the online submission, surveys will still be delivered to some homes and there will be pop-up survey centres.
The ABS will hire up to 38,000 workers to help with the rollout.
COVID-19 TRENDS
Statisticians are expecting data provided from the 2021 Census will confirm COVID-19 trends and theories about Australia‘s population and shift to regional areas.
Mr Henderson told The Daily Telegraph that some of the most hotly anticipated data is around migration, settlement patterns and population decline.
“In September 2020, the estimated resident population in Australia went down for the first time since World War One. At this stage, it appears there was a 35,000 drop in population on the same quarter from the previous year,” he said.
“Another interesting aspect is the information we can garner around real estate prices, interstate migration and the shift of people moving from metropolitan to the regions.”
Provisional research showed that 233,000 people had permanently to regional areas making it the largest ever flow to the regions.
Statisticians are also interested in harvesting the data around commuter habits.
NEW QUESTIONS
Only a handful of new questions will be on the 2021 Census.
Statisticians keep the surveys largely the same to accurately compare data between the years.
Some of the new questions included in the 2021 edition focus on long term health conditions and mental health. As well as the number of veterans in the community.
Provisional data showed the department of veterans affairs services around 200,000 veterans and 100,000 family members. However other reporting said there are about 600,000 veterans across the country.
The ABS is hopeful they can better connect veterans to support services if they have more accurate data.
WHAT IS THE CENSUS
The census of population and housing is Australia’s largest statistical collection undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
For more than a century, the census has provided a snapshot of how the nation has changed over time and allows planning for the future.
The information provided informs governments on the current state of play of society in Australia. Its data is used to distribute funds and provide planning of services for the community across a range of industries including, housing, transport, education and the environment.
The first national census was taken in 1911 and the most recent one in 2016. The most recent tally interviewed about 24 million people to date — making it the largest of its kind.
HOW OFTEN IS IT TAKEN
The census is taken every five years with the first national tally being recorded in 1911. The census originally began in Victoria in 1854.
However, the data only started being recorded every five years from 1961, before this, it was normally taken at least once a decade.
WHEN IS THE CENSUS?
The official census night is Tuesday, August 10, however there are a number of key dates to keep in mind.
From early August 2021, households will start receiving their Census instructions.
In mid-August, reminder letters will be delivered to households that have not responded.
From late August, field staff will start visiting households that have not responded
June 2022 onwards and release of 2021 census data begins.
HOW DO PEOPLE COMPLETE THE CENSUS?
Australians will be able to complete the Census online, on their mobile device or on paper.
There will be a number of options available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including help from Census field staff, and phone and online help.
HOW WILL THE CENSUS BE CONDUCTED IN GREATER SYDNEY, WOLLONGONG, SHELLHARBOUR, THE BLUE MOUNTAINS AND CENTRAL COAST?
With much of Greater Sydney and surrounds in strict lockdowns, the ABS is closely monitoring the situation and have implemented a Covid-safe plan for field operations in the areas impacted. This includes:
- ceasing face to face contact in accordance with stay-at-home orders
- wearing masks as required under government directions
- adhering to State Government Department of Health advice
- minimal face to face contact with the community in all other locations with COVID-19 restrictions
- maintaining physical distance and good hygiene.
- There will be no door-to-door collectors in locked down areas.
All Census Field Officers have been trained in Covid-safe practices, with staff delivering forms to letter-boxes and doorsteps in some parts of the country, including Greater Sydney.
“Census delivery work is akin to what postal or delivery workers do,” an ABS spokesman said.
“In all locations where we need to work in the community we do so safely, following all public health orders and restrictions, and working closely with local authorities. We expect all Census staff to rigorously follow these instructions.
“Census field staff will be able to show their ID cards if authorities or householders want that peace of mind.”
WHAT IS NEW WITH THE CENSUS?
Australians will be encouraged to complete the Census as soon as instructions are received and do not need to wait for Census night.
New questions will be introduced for the first time since 2006 on long-term health conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, while there will be a question on defence force participation.
IS THE CENSUS COMPULSORY?
Yes.
The Census is compulsory under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and can apply if someone refuses to complete it.
If Australians do not complete their Census, the Statistician may issue a Notice of Direction that if not complied with may lead to a fine issued by a court.
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