Four-year storage of data deterring some households from filling out forms

A MASSIVE boycott is threatening to undermine the value of the first attempt to harness the digital revolution for the national census.

The Census is coming.

A MASSIVE boycott is threatening to undermine the value of the first attempt to harness the digital revolution for the national Census.

Planners and government departments could be denied the detailed information they need to deliver services.

Citizens filling out their Census form online will have their names, addresses and other private information stored for four years, rather than the previous period of 18 months.

And there are fears these personal details will be harvested by sophisticated hacking.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has attempted to calm jitters by revealing top intelligence officials have been consulted on cyber security.

But there are concerns householders will snub the national headcount, conducted every five years, and the Planning Institute of Australia says it is possible the integrity of the census this month “will be severely compromised” following the decision for extended data storage.

“The future planning of our cities including the provision and funding of infrastructure and services is dependent upon high quality Census data, so accuracy is of paramount importance,” said PIA national president Brendan Nelson.

“Considering the importance of good data to evidence-based decision-making on future planning, it is crucial not to compromise the integrity of the data or risk it not being completed. PIA calls on the Government to review this decision.”

Labor’s shadow assistant treasurer Andrew Leigh today acknowledged the possibility of a boycott but called it “wrong-headed”.

Dr Leigh said the ABS had a strong record for protecting its data and the public should have faith in it.

“I think these calls for boycotting are absolutely wrong-headed because spoiling the census hurts all Australians. It is used to allocate resources across communities,” Dr Leigh told ABC TV.

“Accurate census information is actually particularly important for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.”

Dr Leigh said the Bureau of Statistics was the subject of an act of Parliament enforcing privacy protections.

“But I can see why people are concerned and I have been surprised … that we haven’t seen the Turnbull Government out there making the case for this change,” he said.

“This extension from 18 months to four years … if they believe it is a sensible change, then get out there and make the case to Australians. The Bureau of Statistics is too busy running a Census to actually be doing the job of Turnbull Government ministers.”