On Tuesday 6 August the Australian Bureau of Statistics will conduct the nation’s 13th Census of Population and Housing. More than seven million households in Australia will provide information vital for the effective planning of the nation’s future.
The Census provides a nationwide snapshot of the Australian population, where they live, and what they do. Information from the Census will play a major role in future planning by Local Government authorities. Local Government uses Census statistical information to plan efficiently services such as health centres, day care centres, senior citizens centres, libraries, roads, sporting facilities, waste disposal services and electricity suppliers.
Therefore, it is of vital importance to Local Governments that residents and ratepayers be encouraged to complete the Census form and provide accurate information to assist community planners.
The Census is used to estimate the population at the National, State and Local Government levels, primarily for electoral purposes. It is also used for the distribution of around $19 billion a year in Commonwealth funds and to allocate some State Government funds to Local Governments.
The Census also provides important demographic and socio-economic information about the population and its housing for Australia as a whole, for each State and Territory and for smaller geographic areas. Other key users of Census data include State and Federal Governments, the business sector, community organisations and even individuals. Data is used for planning, research and informed decision making which affects the lives of all Australians.
Thousands of Census collectors
The Census is the largest statistical collection undertaken by the ABS – in fact, it is the largest peace time operation that the Australian Government undertakes. More than 40,000 people throughout Australia have been recruited to help with the Census. Census jobs will contribute over $32 million to the nation’s economy.
All information collected in the Census remains confidential and no individual person or household can be identified from Census data. Once the Census is completed, all Census forms are destroyed.
Access to Census information
Summary information from the Census, which cannot identify any individual, is available to everyone through ABS offices in each capital city and from local libraries. The Library Extension Program provides Census publications and statistics to a wide network of over 560 state, public and institutional libraries.
Data will be available much sooner from the 1996 Census than previously due to improvements in the collection and processing of the information. Basic Community Profiles will be available on CD-ROM in September 1997.
Local Government help wanted
In order to make sure that everyone is counted in the Census, Local Government can help by displaying Census information posters and material in their public places and libraries. This will help to ensure that everyone in their areas on Census night, whether residents, visitors and travellers, whether staying in houses, flats, hotels, motels, caravan parks, tents, hospitals or even on boats, complete their Census forms.
The Census Field Manager responsible for the Census in each Local Government area will be contacting Local Governments to seek assistance, and provide information on how the Census will be conducted in each area.
By working together, Local Government and the Australian Bureau of Statistics will ensure an accurate count of everyone in Australia on Tuesday 6 August 1996.
