ABS investigating Census Covid propaganda delivery in Grafton

The flyer that was purportedly handed out with census papers in Grafton promotes Covid-19 misinformation and wild conspiracy theories.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will investigate claims that a Grafton census deliverer was handing out anti-Covid propaganda.

A Grafton resident, who wished to remain anonymous, showed The Daily Examiner a flyer they say was delivered to their residence promising a Covid-19 cure and links to a website containing pandemic misinformation.

The website contains videos touting many conspiracy theories and challenges health advice over Covid-19.

It also provides a printable version of the flyer and encourages people to spread them to neighbours through letterbox drops.

The resident said the deliverer pulled up at her property and handed her the census form as well as the flyers through the car window. She said the census worker did not identify herself, or wear a mask.

The resident said they called the ABS to make a complaint about the material, which they found had also been delivered to other residents nearby.

A Census spokeswoman said that the Australian Bureau of Statistics did not comment on individual staff members, but would thoroughly investigate the matter.

“Census staff have clear instructions about what activities are permissible in their local area and are expected to follow these instructions rigorously,” she said.

“For 85 per cent of households across the country (including lock down areas) Census instructions will arrive in the mail and people can complete online or order a paper form without any contact from the ABS.

“Census field staff will be dropping off forms in some communities where internet and postal services are less reliable. In all locations where we need to work in the community we do so safely, following all public health orders and current local rules and restrictions.

“For example, in some areas it may be appropriate to drop Census materials in a letterbox, but staff won’t be able to knock on doors.”

Further information about the Census protocols with regard to Covid-19 are available here: https://www.census.abs.gov.au/about/covid-19