Census causing confusion as people fear being fined

IT IS building into the most controversial census as, one week out, the agency in charge is being accused of snubbing families.

IT IS building into Australia’s most controversial census, while just a week out the agency in charge is being accused of snubbing concerned families.

On August 9 some nine million households will be asked by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to fill out Census forms, with most for the first time having the option to do it online.

The digital headcount will save $100 million on the paper-only process but has roused concerns about the security of stored private information and talk of widespread census boycotts.

Personal data from families will be kept for four years rather than the 18 months previously, and there are fears about private data leaking.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie today warned of confusion and concern, and called for assurances no one will be fined for not completing the Census form.

“I have been shocked by the number of people who have approached me and my office with all sorts of concerns about the national Census scheduled for next week,” Mr Wilkie said today.

“A big problem is the difficulty and cost being experienced by many people attempting to contact the Australian Bureau of Statistics by phone.

“Typically they are experiencing very lengthy delays, if they can get through at all, and even having to pay for the calls.”

Mr Wilkie said examples of the “confusion in the community” came from visits to his Hobart office today by seven constituents.

“One had received a paper Census form even though he didn’t request or want it, one had been visited by a census official at home, two had received a letter at home with a code to use online, one had received three letters at her home, and two hadn’t been contacted at all,” he said.

“The one who got a paper Census form is baffled by the two different serial numbers it contained, received no detailed instructions and found no mention of the specifics of fines.

“Despite the collection of names in previous censuses the logic for this has not been communicated to the public, if indeed there is any logic at all. Nor has any explanation been given for why the ABS holding this information for much longer than normal is warranted.”

Cody Robinson will do the Census for the first time this year. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The new Small Business Minister Michael McCormack, put in charge of the Census this week, has praised the ABS for its “digital-first approach” which would provide information to planners more quickly.

“This Census sees the ABS truly transition into our modern, digital economy, and will reinforce its relevance and global leadership in delivering official statistics for the benefit of Australia as a whole, our communities, and our citizens,” said Mr McCormack.

“Only through the Census can we get a full picture of who we are, where we live, where we come from, how we contribute to the economy, and so much more. It shows us how far we’ve come and will steer our nation into the future.”

The minister acknowledged the possibility of citizen boycotts by saying: “I strongly encourage all Australians to participate and complete the 2016 Census to provide an accurate snapshot of Australian society as it currently stands.

“With more than 98 per cent of Australians participating in the 2011 Census, this shows the value the Australian community places in completing the Census.”

Crossbencher Nick Xenophon called for the Census to be delayed because of data storage delays and also today reported an “overwhelming number of calls, complaints and online feedback of problems with Census 2016”.

Mr Xenophon said he and Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie had been approached by people who hadn’t received their information letter with the online login, were still waiting to get through to the call centre or getting through and facing further significant delays and disconnections.

Households should have received a letter addressed “To the Resident” with information and a unique login number enabling them to go online and complete their census. In some metro, rural and remote areas Census Field Officers will drop off forms.

A dedicated telephone service has been established to assist with inquiries on 1300 214 531. There’s also information on how to request a paper form if required by calling a dedicated 24-hour paper form request line on 1300 820 275. The ABS has made additional call centre resources available to deal with an increasing number of inquiries ahead of census night.

The online form is available now for early returns. To complete the Census online click here.