2016 CENSUS
PARLIAMENTARIAN
KIT
(For Members of Parliament, Senators, Local Council Members)
#MyCensus
OUR MOMENT TO
PAUSE AND MAKE
A DIFFERENCE.
2016 CENSUS PARLIAMENTARIAN KIT
1
CONTENTS
Introduction to the Census
3
Key dates for the 2016 Census
4
Where to go for assistance
5
The Census
6
Reaching out to Australia’s hard to count
8
Completing the Census online
11
What happens to the completed Census forms?
13
Confidentiality of information provided
14
Name and address retention
15
How Census data is used
18
Census data products
19
Interesting Census facts—did you know?
21
History of the Census
22
2016 Census materials
24
2016 CENSUS PARLIAMENTARIAN KIT
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INTRODUCTION TO THE CENSUS
From David W. Kalisch, Australian Statistician
Dear Members of Parliament, Senators, Councillors,
Tuesday, 9 August 2016 is Australia’s Census night. The Australian Bureau of Statistics
(ABS) conducts the Census of Population and Housing every five years.
The Census takes a ‘snapshot’ of Australia on Census night. It collects vital information
on every person and every household in order to support the allocation of services,
facilities and funding. Two of the key uses of the Census are the setting of electoral
boundaries and the distribution of federal funds, including GST revenue.
You can play a significant role in ensuring the Census counts everyone in your area by
increasing the awareness of the Census and its importance.
This kit contains information for you and your office about the Census to help answer
any Census questions you may have from stakeholders and constituents. It includes key
Census dates, support materials such as posters and brochures you can print in-house
or order from the ABS to display in your electorate offices and distribute in your area,
along with a link to a social media toolkit.
The ABS has set up a dedicated contact number for you and your staff if you require
more detailed information or assistance. This hotline is 1800 138 756 and is available
now until 30 September 2016. From 22 July to 30 September 2016, a Census telephone
inquiry service will be open to the public on 1300 214 531 to deal with public enquiries,
while a dedicated paper form request service on 1300 820 275 allows people to order a
paper Census form if they cannot complete the Census online.
The Census website, census.abs.gov.au, provides a wide range of helpful general
information and frequently asked questions.
We are letting Australians know that the Census is their moment to pause and make a
difference. The Census is important for Australia’s future and a moment we can’t afford
to miss.
Yours Sincerely,
David W. Kalisch
Australian Statistician
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KEY DATES FOR THE 2016 CENSUS
2016
22 July
Census Inquiry Service opens to the public
24 July
National advertising of the 2016 Census begins
on television, radio, in print and online
26 July
Census online form opens to the public at
census.‌abs.‌gov.au—the fast, secure and easy
alternative to the paper form
Late July to
7 August
9 August
Forms and letters are delivered—look out for this
in the mail
Census night
10–25 August
The public is reminded to complete the Census
26 August to
18 September
Census Field Officers start visiting homes that
haven’t participated in the Census
23 September
Online form closes to the public
30 September
Census Inquiry Service closes to the public
2017
April
First release of Census data via the ABS website
census.abs.gov.au—two months earlier than
last Census
June
Second release of 2016 Census data
October
Third release of 2016 Census data
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WHERE TO GO FOR ASSISTANCE
Members of Parliament hotline 1800 138 756
An MP’s hotline has been set up for you and your staff to call if you require assistance.
An answering machine will be available if the hotline is unattended.
MP hotline opening dates:
Opening July to 30 September 2016
Census Inquiry Service (CIS) 1300 214 531
A dedicated Census telephone inquiry service will deal with public enquiries relating to
the Census, such as how to complete the form and requests for a separate online login
number or for a paper form.
CIS opening times:
Opening dates 22 July to 30 September 2016
Opening times 8.30am to 8.00pm local time
(8.00am to 10.00pm local time on 8–10 August)
People with hearing impairments can access the CIS through the National Relay
Service, and people requiring assistance in another language can access the CIS
through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS). Information for respondents
with low vision or vision impairment will also be available through Vision Australia.
TIS: 13 14 50
Or contact the CIS through the National Relay Service:
TTY/voice calls users 133 677
Speak and listen users 1300 555 727
SMS relay 0423 677 767
Internet relay users www.relayservice.gov.au
Once connected ask for 1300 214 531
Paper form request service 1300 820 275
The paper form request service is a dedicated telephone service for ordering a paper
Census form. People will need their letter with their household’s unique Census Login
to order a form.
Census website census.abs.gov.au
The Census website provides information about 2016 Census questions and topics,
along with a wide range of helpful general information.
The website will also be the access point for the online Census form—the accessible,
fast, secure and easy option for completing the Census.
Promotional material
There are a range of information materials available for you to use and distribute in
your area. Examples of these are included with this kit, see page 24 for more details.
To order materials call the MP’s hotline.
Census media enquiries
National media enquiries:
State/territory media enquiries:
T. (02) 6252 6617
T. 1300 997 005
E. [email protected] E. [email protected]
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THE CENSUS
Why have a Census?
The Census of Population and Housing is the largest statistical collection undertaken
by the ABS and one of the most important. Its objective is to accurately measure
the number and key characteristics of people in Australia on Census night, and the
households in which they live.
This information provides a reliable basis for estimating the population of each
state, territory and local government area—primarily for electoral purposes and the
distribution of government funds. The Census also provides the characteristics of the
Australian population groups. This information supports the planning, administration,
policy development and evaluation activities of governments and other users.
Under Australia’s constitution, the ‘number of members (in the House of
Representatives) chosen in the several states shall be in proportion to the respective
numbers of their people’. Population estimates based on the Census are used to
determine the number of seats allocated to each state in the House of Representatives.
Is everyone counted in the Census?
Yes. Everyone in Australia on Census night is counted, even travellers who have just
arrived in the country and international students. Only foreign diplomats and their
families are not included in the Census.
What happens if you’re overseas on Census night?
Only people in Australia on Census night, Tuesday 9 August 2016, need to complete
a Census form.
Is Census information private and confidential?
Yes. All information collected through the Census is strictly private and confidential.
No one outside of the ABS (including other government agencies) will ever see your
Census responses. The ABS never has and never will released identifiable Census data.
See page 14 for more details.
Is the Census compulsory?
Yes. The Census is compulsory. The Census is authorised by the Census and Statistics
Act 1905.
Is it compulsory to answer all questions?
All questions are compulsory except the question on religion.
A question on a person’s religion has been included in all Australian Censuses, however
answering this question is specified as optional in the Census and Statistics Act 1905.
Approximately 90 per cent of respondents provided an answer in the 2011 Census.
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How accurate is Census data?
The data collected is extremely accurate.
Australia is recognised as a world leader in Census collection. In 2011 more than 98 per
cent of people in Australia were counted.
The ABS produces high quality data from the Census through applying expertise to
Census form design, collection procedures and processing, checking and validation.
The ABS also conducts a survey after Census night, the Post Enumeration Survey,
to measure the Census under or over count.
Are there new questions in the 2016 Census?
There are no new topics in the 2016 Census, increasing the comparability of Census
data between 2006, 2011 and 2016. However, some questions have been enhanced
to better collect information on existing topics such as occupation and industry
of employment.
Minor changes to questions have been made across both the paper and online forms
as appropriate to ensure continuing relevance or to improve data quality, such as
updating income ranges and revising some response categories.
How is the Census conducted?
In the first few days of August 2016, most households will receive a letter with a unique
Census Login, and instructions on how to complete the Census online.
Paper forms will still be available to households that require them, and can be
requested through a dedicated paper form request line. Each paper form will be
delivered with a reply paid envelope.
Reminder letters will be sent to every household that hasn’t responded to the
Census, followed by a visit from Census Field Officers to ensure that every household
is counted.
See page 11 for more information about completing the Census online.
Field staff will visit households after 26 August if they haven’t submitted a Census form.
Field staff will also ensure that people staying in hospitals, hotels and motels, camping
or travelling around Australia on Census night are included.
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REACHING OUT TO AUSTRALIA’S HARD TO COUNT
As part of the 2016 Census, the ABS is implementing special enumeration and
communication strategies for a number of specific population groups that may face
barriers to participate or require support or assistance to take part. These activities
aim to raise awareness and understanding of the Census, reduce the undercount within
these groups, and increase the accuracy of their Census responses.
The ABS is targeting the following groups with special enumeration and
communication strategies:
•Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across urban, rural and remote areas
• People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds
• Young people aged 18–34, including international students
• Senior Australians
• People experiencing homelessness
• People with an illness, injury or disability
•Travellers
• Transient workers, including fly-in fly-out workers and 457 Visa holders.
These groups are more difficult to enumerate than the general population due
to a range of factors, such as geographic location, language difficulties, the digital
approach and a disconnection from government and mainstream society.
Young people in particular have emerged as a group representing a significant
proportion of non-respondent or undercounted populations.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
A key priority for the 2016 Census is to continue obtaining quality, accurate information
about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. To do this, the ABS
has allocated extra resources to implement the 2016 Census National Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Population Discrete Communities and Remote Areas
Operational Strategy.
During 2015 and 2016 in the lead up to the Census, Local Engagement Managers
have been working with local communities and community leaders to help ensure the
Census is successful in traditionally hard to reach areas.
Special enumeration teams will work in remote discrete communities to improve
data collection in these areas. Teams will include Census field staff who speak local
languages and will help people complete their form through personal interviews. Extra
staff will collect Census data from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people moving
between various forms of temporary shelter and those living without conventional
accommodation.
In addition, targeted communication activities, including advertisements in Indigenous
language, will help raise awareness of the Census among communities, and the
importance of identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. These will be
distributed through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media outlets, key community
members and high profile Australians.
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People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds (CALD)
To ensure people from CALD backgrounds are accurately counted in the Census, the
ABS will implement special enumeration procedures and communication activities.
These activities are informed by the early engagement work with established, new and
emerging multicultural groups. Activities include fill in the form sessions and translation
of advertising and communication material.
Translated material will be distributed via ethnic media outlets and key stakeholder
and community organisations.
A range of CALD owned and operated media outlets will be engaged for in-language
interviews and community service announcements in CALD media and community
radio. Messages and materials, including translated information and YouTube videos,
will be disseminated through outreach activities and events such as multicultural
festivals and face-to-face activities.
The ABS is also working with a multicultural communication agency to communicate
and engage with multicultural communities across the country.
Young people ages 18–34
The ABS has found that young men and women are increasingly difficult to count
in the Census and make up one of the largest non-responding groups in the Census.
The ABS will target young people through communication channels they are most
likely to access, including online and social media. Viral marketing opportunities using
channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, and events and messages
specifically targeted at young people will foster and maintain word of mouth message
spread among this population group. Most of this activity will occur directly before
Census night.
International students will also be specifically targeted.
Senior Australians
The ABS has identified senior Australians as a new and emerging audience who may
experience barriers to online participation and completion of the Census in 2016.
However these barriers are somewhat offset as this group is traditionally the most
willing and committed to participate.
The ABS will target senior Australians by partnering with seniors organisations and
groups as well as through traditional communication channels. Messaging will focus
on assistance available to complete the form and the availability of the paper form.
People affected by homelessness
The ABS produces a five year estimate of people experiencing homelessness, based
on data collected in the Census.
The ABS recruits and trains specialist Census Field Officers to work with people
experiencing homelessness and with service providers to ensure the most accurate
count of the homeless population. People sleeping rough in places like parks and along
riverbanks will be counted, along with people in night shelters and refuges.
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People with an illness, injury or disability
Everyone in Australia is encouraged to participate in the Census—this includes people
with an illness, injury or disability. Specific communication techniques will be employed
to engage and encourage this audience.
The ABS will target people with an illness, injury or disability with materials that are
easy to read, clear to understand and have simple, clear visuals and text. The ABS will
also partner with relevant ambassadors and organisations such as the National Relay
Service and Blind Citizens Australia as they have direct contact with this audience.
The ABS produces large text, braille and Auslan versions of the Census form.
Travellers
To ensure travellers are accurately captured in the 2016 Census, the ABS has identified
three main groups of travellers and will target each one appropriately to gain an
accurate count of travellers across Australia.
The groups are categorised into shipping and migratory (which includes buses, cruises,
airports, planes and trains), offshore and mining (which includes oil refineries and
miners), and remote travellers (which includes truckers, caravaners and grey nomads).
Information obtained from this audience can assist in developing policies, products
and services that correspond to travellers’ needs as well as their contributions to
the economy.
However, this is a particularly challenging audience to engage with as a traveller could
be in a remote area, on public transport or staying in a non-private dwelling (i.e. hostel,
motel, etc.). Therefore, multiple channels of communication, including a strong digital
presence and partnering with tourism organisations and airports, will be used to
target travellers.
Transient workers
The ABS has earmarked transient workers, also known as fly-in fly-out or drive-in
drive-out workers, as a challenging audience to enumerate as they often work off the
Australian coastline or in geographically isolated areas. Additionally, 457 Visa holders
(an overseas working program) are also enumerated as part of this audience group.
The ABS will establish a strong digital presence as this is a popular communication
channel used by this audience to stay in contact with their friends and family.
The ABS is also working with mining organisations such as BHP Biliton and Rio Tinto
to distribute key Census messages.
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COMPLETING THE CENSUS ONLINE
Australia’s digital approach to the 2016 Census will be faster, easier and more
environmentally friendly.
About two-thirds of Australians are expected to participate online in 2016, doubling
the online response rate of 33 per cent in 2011. This would position Australia as one
of the world leaders in online Census response and with 16 million people being
counted online this is probably the most significant online event in Australia’s history.
The online Census is a web-based eform and does not require people to download
or install any extra software on their computer.
To complete the Census online, the following will be required:
•Access to a desktops or mobile computer that is connected to the Internet
•A desktop Internet browser such as Internet Explorer 11 or newer, Firefox v3
or newer, Safari 5 or newer, Opera 21 or newer, or Google Chrome for Windows.
Safari 6 or newer is needed for Mac OSX
•A mobile Internet browser such as Firefox 41 or newer, or Google Chrome 43
or newer for Andriod, or Safari for iOS, and
•The web address census.abs.gov.au or people can search ‘Census’.
To start the online form each household will need to enter their unique 12 digit Census
Login (sent in their Census instruction letter). A password will be provided to the
household when they enter their Census Login for the first time.
The online form has been designed to be easy and intuitive for people who are not
confident using technology.
How secure is the online Census?
The online Census is protected by the strongest encryption technologies available that
current internet browsers will support, and the unique Census Login ensures no one
else can access personal information.
All possible measures to protect the integrity of the online site have been taken.
The ABS consulted with government security agencies, as well as engaging external
consultants, to independently review the online Census security architecture and test
its security and resilience. Multiple rounds of security testing have been performed.
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What are the benefits of the online Census?
As well as contributing to a reduction in the use of paper forms, there are many other
benefits associated with the online Census. These include:
•It is safe and secure
•It is available 24 hours a day
•It is a smart form and skips through questions that don’t apply to peoples situation
•Built-in checks and online help makes sure the form is completed correctly
•It removes the need to post back a completed household form or have a visit from
a Census Field Officer, and
•It can be used by more than one member of a household while protecting the
privacy of each user.
Another benefit of the online Census is it will be more than $100 million cheaper
to execute than the traditional approach, reducing the cost to taxpayers.
Is the online Census accessible for people with vision impairments?
Text in the online Census can be resized and contrasting colours have been used
to make the text easier to read. For people using screen readers, the form has been
designed to be compatible with commonly used screen reader programs such as
Jaws© and Windows Eyes©.
The online Census has been designed to comply with accepted accessibility standards
as set out by the World Wide Web Consortium and reviewed by accessibility experts,
Vision Australia.
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WHAT HAPPENS TO THE COMPLETED CENSUS FORMS?
Completed and partially completed online Census forms are encrypted and stored
in a secure database in preparation for processing. Completed paper forms will be
mailed in the provided reply paid envelopes to the Data Capture Centre in Melbourne
and securely stored in preparation for processing.
Materials will be handled securely, with images captured electronically from each
of the paper returns. Written responses are captured from these images and loaded
for processing. All paper Census material is securely destroyed and recycled at the
end of processing.
Full-time security personnel will be employed to prevent any unauthorised access
to the Data Capture Centre.
After the Census, an evaluation of the data is carried out to inform users about
its quality, and to help plan the next Census. The results of the 2016 Census will be
available via the ABS website from April 2017.
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CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION PROVIDED
The ABS is committed to upholding the privacy, confidentiality and security of
the personal information it collects. Not only does the ABS have strong legislative
protections that safeguard the privacy of an individual’s information, it has a proud
100-year history of maintaining community trust in the way it collects, uses, discloses
and stores your personal information collected in the Census.
The Census collects information relating to each person and household in the country.
The Census is taken to provide information about the community as a whole and
groups within the community.
The personal information provided on Census forms remains confidential to the ABS.
No information will be released in a way that would enable users of Census data to
identify any particular individual or household.
Law protects the privacy of your information
Under the Census and Statistics Act 1905, the personal information you provide
in the Census remains strictly confidential to the ABS. The ABS never has and never will
release identifiable Census data.
As an Australian Government agency, the ABS also comply with the Privacy Act 1988
(Privacy Act) and handles personal information in accordance with the Australian
Privacy Principles (APPs).
All ABS staff are legally bound never to release personal information to any individual
or organisation outside of the ABS, this includes temporary staff working on the
Census. It’s an offence for any ABS staff, past or present, to divulge, directly or
indirectly, any information collected under this Act. Penalties include fines of up to
$21,600 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, for anybody convicted of
breaching this obligation.
The ABS cannot, and will not share or provide identifiable personal information
to any government department or organisation
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NAME AND ADDRESS RETENTION
Are names and addresses collected in the Census?
Names and addresses (usual residence, address on Census night, address one year ago,
workplace address and address five years ago) have been collected in every modern
Census. Like all topics, with the exception of a person’s religion, they are a compulsory
part of the Census.
Why does the ABS collect names and address in the Census?
The collection of names and addresses in the Census is a critical part of ensuring
the quality and value of the Census. Further information on the uses of names and
addresses is available at census.abs.gov.au.
What are the benefits of retaining names and address collected
in the Census?
The benefits of retaining names and address in the Census are significant. Names and
addresses will be used by the ABS to generate anonymous keys that can be used to
combine existing data sets to create richer and more valuable statistics for Australia.
The new data sets, containing no names and addresses, will improve the lives of
Australians by:
•Better informing decisions, policies and services in important areas like health,
education, infrastructure and the economy
•Enabling greater use of existing data and reducing the burden on individuals to
provide data that is already available
•Providing extra insights and more confidence in decisions, particularly for the most
vulnerable and challenging policy areas.
The use of anonymised names during the linkage process will ensure that Australians
can have confidence in the quality of the data that is being used to support decisions.
If governments and decision makers are to make smart choices affecting all our lives,
they need the best possible statistics.
When should the ABS destroy names and addresses?
In recent Censuses names and addresses have been destroyed at the end of Census
data processing, approximately eighteen months after the Census. This has reduced
the value of the Census data and the ability for it to be used to inform future planning
and decisions.
Recent public consultation and engagement has revealed that Australians expect the
ABS to keep their information secure and to use their data for the benefit of them, their
community and Australia.
There is also an expectation that the ABS should retain and use the information
collected in the Census for as long as there is a benefit for the community to do so.
Consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles, the information should be destroyed
once this need no longer exists.
For the 2016 Census, the ABS will destroy names and addresses when there is
no longer any community benefit to their retention or four years after collection
(i.e. August 2020), whichever is earliest.
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The ABS has and will always ensure that sufficient safeguards are in place to protect
the privacy and confidentiality of the information it collects in the Census, including
names and addresses.
How will the ABS protect my privacy?
The ABS has legal obligations to keep data secure and ensure that it does not disclose
identifiable information about a person, household or business. The ABS never has and
never will release identifiable Census data.
Key measures to safeguard information include strong encryption of data, restricted
access on a need-to-know basis and monitoring of all staff, including regular audits.
After data collection and processing, the ABS removes names and addresses from
other personal and household information. Names and addresses will be stored
securely and separate from one another. No one working with Census data will be
able to view personal information (name or address) at the same time as other Census
responses (such as age, sex, occupation, level of education or income).
Stored separately and securely, individuals names will also be substituted with a linkage
key, a computer generated code, completely anonymising the personal information.
Only these anonymous linkage keys will be used by the ABS to bring data sets together.
The ABS complies with the mandatory requirements established by the Australian
Commonwealth Protective Security Policy Framework, which include implementing
governance, physical, and information security measures to protect data held by
the ABS.
How secure is my personal information?
A critical feature of the Census and the online form is the first-rate security it uses to
protect the privacy of all personal information collected. The security measures in place
have been independently tested and reviewed to ensure your personal information
is secure.
The connection from the user’s computer to the online form is protected using, at a
minimum, 128-bit TLS encryption, the same encryption technology used for internet
banking. The system has also been designed to be best practice and complies with
the Australian Government Information Security Manual developed by the Defence
Signals Directorate.
Australian Signals Directorate strategies are implemented by the ABS. These strategies
include strategies specifically designed to mitigate targeted cyber intrusions. The
ABS took part in an Australian National Audit Office cross-agency audit in 2014 on
information technology system security against cyber-attacks. The ABS was rated as
being in a Cyber Secure Zone (having high-level protection from external attacks and
internal breaches and disclosure of information). (Source—Cyber Attacks: Securing
Agencies’ ICT Systems, ANAO Audit Report No.50 2013–14)
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Do these changes affect the Census Time Capsule?
Since 2001, more and more Australians have chosen to have their name identified
Census information saved for future generations via the Census Time Capsule initiative,
where the National Archives of Australia will hold the information securely for 99 years,
before publicly releasing the information.
In 2011, 60.6 per cent of respondents elected to have their name identified Census
information archived for the future. This was up from 56.1 per cent in 2006 and
52.7 per cent in 2001. There are no proposed changes to the Census Time Capsule
initiative for the 2016 Census.
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HOW CENSUS DATA IS USED
Census data forms the basis of many of the ABS’ most widely used products and
services, including official population estimates. Census data is also used to compile
employment and unemployment statistics and the national accounts. The Census
counts of the number of people in each geographic area are used in the framework
for selecting the samples used in ABS household surveys.
Allocations of funds and federal seats
The official population estimates are used to allocate Commonwealth funds, such as
GST revenue, to state and local governments. Funds are then used to build facilities
such as schools, parks, hospitals and transport.
Population estimates are also used to determine the number of seats each state and
territory has in the House of Representatives.
Planning and administration
The Census provides the characteristics of the population and its housing to support
the planning, administration and policy development activities of governments,
business community groups and other users. For example, these characteristics have
been used to study the social economic circumstances of particular population groups.
While some of this information is available from other sources, only a Census can
provide the information for the country as a whole and for small geographic areas
and small population groups.
Public enquiries
When the 2011 Census data was released on 21 June 2012, there were almost 644,100
hits recorded on the ABS website. This equated to almost 450 hits per minute.
The ABS has recorded hundreds of thousands of requests for data from the 2011
Census. In addition, there are many enquiries made to libraries and other organisations
that disseminate Census data. An even greater level of demand is expected for the
2016 Census.
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CENSUS DATA PRODUCTS
The ABS will release a range of products and services for the 2016 Census on the
ABS website.
There will be a three-staged release of the data with basic data items being made
available in the first data release in April 2017. Other data that requires more detailed
processing will be released in June and October 2017.
The 2016 Census range of products will allow clients to choose topics and geography
as well as having some ability to create new cross-classifications. Most data from the
2016 Census will be released free of charge via the ABS at census.abs.gov.au.
Information planned for electronic release is detailed below.
QuickStats
QuickStats is a fast, simple way to understand an area of interest at a glance.
QuickStats provides a snapshot summary of information for the selected area and
includes data on people, their families and households in which they live.
Community Profiles
Community Profiles are excellent tools for researching, planning and analysing
geographic areas for a number of social, economic and demographic variables.
Each Community Profile is a set of tables containing key Census characteristics
of people, families and households covering most topics on the Census form.
TableBuilder
TableBuilder is an online self-service tool that enables the creation of customised
tables. It is designed for users who have some knowledge of Census concepts
and some experience using Census data. TableBuilder allows users the freedom
to construct basic or complex tables of data by selecting and combining data items
and geographical areas for cross-tabulation.
DataPacks
DataPacks contain data about people, families and households for all available
geographic areas, with associated Geographic Information System digital boundary
files. DataPacks are designed for clients who have existing databases or analysis
systems, such as mapping and tabulation systems where Census data can be imported.
The 2016 DataPacks will be available free of charge from the ABS website.
Analytical articles
Analysis articles will include a series of Census analytical articles and working papers
based on results of the 2016 Census.
Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA)
SEIFA is a product developed by the ABS that ranks geographical areas across
Australia according to socio-economic advantage and disadvantage.
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Data Integration
Since 2006, the ABS has enhanced the value of Census data through integrating unit
record data with other ABS and non-ABS datasets to create new datasets for statistical
and research purposes. Data integration will continue to be a central element of the
Census and is an increasingly important element of effectively and efficiently delivering
the broader ABS work program.
The integration of 2016 Census data with other datasets will continue the production
of new statistical outputs and enduring datasets, while keeping the privacy and
confidentiality of all Australians at the centre of all stages of the project. Projects will
include the production of the Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset, the
Australian Census Longitudinal Dataset (ACLD) and updated estimates of Indigenous
life expectancy.
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INTERESTING CENSUS FACTS—DID YOU KNOW?
General
In 2016, the Census will:
•Post 13.5 million letters or forms to households and establishments across Australia
•Count all of Australia’s 10 million households and 24 million people
•Take approximately 30 minutes for an average household to complete
•Employ Field Officers with skills in languages other than English
•Be conducted in discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
throughout August, and
•Employ local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in each community to
help conduct the Census.
Logistics
The 2016 Census will:
•Produce approximately 327 tonnes less paper material than in the 2011 Census—
equivalent to approximately 231 family sedans
•Travel 230,000 less kilometres to deliver household materials than in 2011
Census—equivalent to more than five trips around the circumference of the Earth
(or 58 return trips between Sydney and Perth)
•Require 3,800 kilograms of ink and 16,000 litres of glue to hold the forms together
•Employ approximately 38,000 temporary field staff across a variety of roles,
and up to 500 temporary office staff to process the data
•Scan forms as they arrive using industrial scanners operating up to 12 hours per day,
five days per week, over 10 weeks, scanning close to 88 million pages
•Have one Census field staff with responsibility for an area of 1.2 million kms2—
that’s the equivalent of 18 Tasmania’s, and
•Cover approximately 8,200 islands around Australia including Norfolk Island
(first time in 2016).
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HISTORY OF THE CENSUS
Musters
The first population counts of Australia were known as musters and were conducted as
early as 1788. Musters involved all members of the community gathering at specified
locations to be counted. These were important as a means of matching food and other
supplies to the number of people needing them. The first of the Censuses in Australia,
as we now know them, was held in New South Wales in November 1828. Each of the
colonies conducted their own Censuses until 1886.
In 1881, the first simultaneous Census of the British Empire covering the United
Kingdom, India and the Crown Settlements (including Australia) was taken. This Census
produced the first set of colonial population figures for the same day although the
questions were not uniform across all colonies.
Federation
A Census conference held in Sydney on 26 February 1900 arranged for an Australian
Census to be conducted on a uniform basis. The ‘Federation Census’ was to be taken
on 31 March 1901.
Minor differences in the interpretation of definitions arose between the states and
the methods of presentation of the results differed considerably. The responses to
the Census questions were not tabulated in all cases and there was no coordinating
authority to bring the results together to form a total for Australia.
Census and Statistics Act 1905
To provide greater coordination, the Census and Statistics Act 1905 was passed on
8 December 1905. This Act provided:
•That ‘the Census shall be taken in the year 1911, and in every tenth year thereafter’, and
•‘The Census day shall be a day appointed for that purpose by proclamation’.
On 18 June 1906, the first Statistician of the Commonwealth of Australia was appointed
to carry out the provisions of the Act. Later in the same year the Commonwealth
Bureau of Census and Statistics was formed (renamed the Australian Bureau of
Statistics in 1975).
National Censuses
Since 1911 the Census has been a centralised activity conducted and controlled by the
Australian Statistician under the authority of an Act of Parliament to ensure uniformity
in the Census methods and data collected from each state and to protect the
confidentiality of information gathered.
Due to the economic depression, it was considered inappropriate to conduct the
scheduled Census of 1931, so the Census and Statistics Act 1905 was amended to allow
a Census to be held at any such time as prescribed. Under the amended Act the next
Census was held in 1933. No Census was held during the period of World War II and the
first post-war Census was taken in 1947, after an interval of 14 years. The year 1954 was
chosen for the next Census, it being a seven year interval and equidistant between the
1947 Census and the then proposed 1961 Census. The practice of conducting a Census
in at least the first year of each decade was resumed from 1961 onwards.
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Every five years
Following the 1961 Census, Australia has had a Census taken every five years.
This practice became mandatory with the amendment to the Census and Statistics Act
in 1977 requiring that ‘the Census shall be taken in the year 1981 and in every fifth year
thereafter, and at such other times as are prescribed’.
Which date?
In selecting a Census date the ABS aims to select a date which minimises the
proportion of the population who are not at their usual place of residence. In 1911
and 1921, a Census date near the beginning of April was selected. For the 1933 Census
through to the 1986 Census, the Census date was moved to be at, or near, the end
of June.
In 1991, the Census date was moved to early August, after all mainland states changed
from a three term to a four term school year with school holidays falling near the end
of June. School holidays on, or close to, the Census date increase collection difficulties
and reduce the quality of data obtained, as many people are absent from their usual
place of residence.
The date that has been specified for the 2016 Census is Tuesday 9 August.
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2016 CENSUS MATERIALS
There are a range of materials that you can print in-house or order from the ABS
to display in your electorate offices and distribute in your area.
All Census materials listed below are available for download through the following
Dropbox link http://bit.ly/29POoL7 or by calling the MP’s hotline on 1800 138 756.
Mainstream material
Defence
Posters
Poster
Brochure
Factsheet
Postcard
Indigenous—urban
Poster
Myth buster factsheet
FAQ
Indigenous— discrete
Poster
Myth buster factsheet
FAQ
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
Transient workers
Poster
Factsheet
Offshore/migratory
Poster
Postcard
Remote travellers
Flyer
Postcard
Ski fields
Poster
Poster
Media material
Brochure
2016 Census pause partner pack
Homelessness
How to complete the Census infographic
Poster
Brochure
Factsheet
Wallet card
Disability
Brochure
FAQ for people who are deaf or hard
of hearing
FAQ for people who are blind or have
low vision
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Social media
Below is a list of social media posts your office can distribute via your social media
channels to support and promote Census activities.
We encourage you to re-tweet, share and like content from ABS Census accounts—
@‌ABSCensus (Twitter) and @CensusAustralia (Facebook).
Late July to 7 August
<insert jurisdiction>, look out for your Census letter in the post telling you how
to complete this year’s Census on August 9 #auscensus
This year’s Census is just around the corner.
<insert jurisdiction> households will soon receive a letter with an online login
and instructions on how to complete the Census online. In some areas paper
forms will be delivered. Look out for yours.
8 August
Haven’t received your Census letter or paper form? We don’t want you to miss
out. You can request these by calling 1300 214 531
Only one more sleep until Census night! If you haven’t received a letter
with your online login number or you don’t have a paper form, simply
call 1300 214 531
8 August
Tomorrow night is Census night! It’s your moment to make a difference.
Don’t forget to take part and fill in your Census form
The top four things you need to know today:
1.Tomorrow is the 2016 Census of Population and Housing
2.That’s Tuesday 9 August 2016
3.Complete it wherever you are on Census night
4.Use the unique login number and instructional letter to complete it online
or use the paper form delivered to you.
9 August
It’s Census night! It’s your moment to pause and make a difference to the
future of Aus’. Jump online and be included in the count
It’s August 9 so get online! Visit census.abs.gov.au to complete your Census
It’s Census night! It’s your moment to pause and make a difference to the
future of Austraia. Jump online and be included in the count
It’s August 9 so get online. It’s your moment to pause, and play a role in
shaping the future of Australia.
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12 August
If you haven’t completed your Census form there’s still time. Complete your
form at census.abs.gov.au. Remember the Census is compulsory.
Remember the Census is compulsory. If you haven’t completed your Census
form yet there’s still time. You can fill yours in online at census.abs.gov.au or
call 1300 820 275 for a paper form.
17 August
Don’t miss out on your chance to make a difference in your community.
Complete your Census form now before it’s too late
You’ve almost missed your moment to make a difference. Complete your
Census now at census.abs.gov.au or call 1300 820 275 for a paper form.
25 August
From today Census Field Officers will visit households that haven’t completed
their Census form. Remember, it’s compulsory for everyone
Starting today, Census Field Officers will visit households that haven’t
completed their Census form. If you started but haven’t submitted your form,
complete it now at census.abs.gov.au
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Videos
“Making Sense of the Census” videos about the Census can be found on the
ABS website or on CensusAustralia YouTube. Topics in the video suite cover:
What is the Census?
Why have Census?
Protecting your privacy
Completing your Census
Click on the image to view the videos online
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