Households across the Fleurieu and the nation have started to receive letters with details of how to log in to complete the census on Tuesday 10 August.

The Census is held every five years to provide a snapshot of the nation and tell the story of how it is changing. 

It is one of the largest and most important statistical collections undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

People will be able to complete the Census online, on their mobile device or on paper.

The ABS says it is ready to deliver a COVID safe and responsive 2021 Census.

Most people will complete the Census online with no contact from the ABS and all Census staff will operate under a COVID safe plan. The plan follows guidelines from federal, state and territory governments to keep the community safe.

Andrew Henderson, Census Executive Director, says in the lead up to Census, the ABS has undertaken extensive planning about engaging with the community and ensuring the safety of staff.

“We were able to successfully test these plans in our major test of 100,000 dwellings across Australia in October 2020.

“For the vast majority of people, the Census is going to be contact free. Most people will receive instructions by mail in early August and we expect 75 per cent online completion, which means they will have no interaction with Census staff.

“Field activity by Census staff is more common in areas where internet access or postal services are less reliable, or where communities need extra help to complete the Census.

“Where we do need to work in the community, we will do so safely and in accordance with all public health orders.

Field Officers play a vital role in delivering the Census and can be identified by their official identification passes, bright yellow satchels and official ABS documentation detailing the work they’re doing.

A number of options will be available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form, including help from Census staff, and phone and online help.

People can complete their Census as soon as they receive their instructions if they know where they’ll be on 10 August. They don’t have to wait until Census night.

There are two new questions in the 2021 Census – the first changes to questions collected since 2006. They are on long-term health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, and on defence force participation.

For more information, visit the website. 

Image by Mary Pahlke from Pixabay