2026 Census Australia: When it is, how to complete it and fines

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducts a Census of Population and Housing every five years to gather what officials describe as a snapshot of the nation. It includes up to 66 questions spanning a person's ancestry, religious affiliation, sex recorded at birth and even how they commuted to work that day. The last Census was held on 10 August 2021. Emily Walter, a Census national spokesperson at the ABS, said many people will be completing the Census for the first time. "There's a lot of Australians who won't have done a Census before, and this is really important to make sure that people are aware and understand what a Census is, and why it's important," she told SBS Urdu. From late July, households will receive instructions on how to complete the Census. Australians can complete the form as soon as they receive instructions, provided they know where they will be on Census night. Most people will receive a letter with instructions to complete the Census online. However, Australians can also request a paper form if they prefer. Generally, one person per household will complete the Census, but separate forms can be requested for privacy reasons. The Census must be completed by everyone in the country, including Australian residents, international visitors, students, and people on temporary visas. Walter said the ABS expects a response from every person in the country on Census night. "Sometimes people forget to put babies on their form. So, it's really important that absolutely everyone is reflected in the Census," she said. Some people living in remote areas of Australia, or experiencing homelessness, can complete the Census with the assistance of field staff. The ABS has hired around 30,000 field staff to support participation. In 2021, field staff travelled more than 10 million kilometres across Australia. Liz Allen, a demographer from the Australian National University's Centre for Social Policy Research, said: "That especially includes people in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities where ABS data collectors actually go out in force, and they ... talk to folks about the Census, what it means and to answer any relevant questions." Information about the Census is also accessible in 25 languages, with free translation and interpreting services available for people completing the Census. If a person is travelling within Australia on 11 August, they are still expected to complete the Census. This includes anyone travelling overnight on a long-distance train, bus, or aircraft (including red-eye flights between Perth and the east coast), and on long-haul transport vehicles that are parked or in motion. People must include information about where they are staying or whether they are in transit. If an Australian is overseas on 11 August, they do not need to complete the Census. If someone is completing the Census form at their usual address, the person travelling needs to be marked as 'away' but usually living at the dwelling. The Census is compulsory under the 1905 Census and Statistics Act. If a person does not complete the Census when directed, they will receive a formal written direction to do so. If they refuse, they can be prosecuted and fined up to $364 a day. Knowingly providing false or misleading statements is an offence and can result in a fine of up to $3,640, according to the ABS. <b><i>download our app</i></b> <b><i>subscribe to our newsletter</i></b>