The Census is the most comprehensive snapshot of the country and tells the story of how we are changing. It counts every household and every person in Australia. Census data is used to plan and deliver services across Australia. The Census isn’t just numbers, but what those numbers tell us – every stat tells a story.
That’s why your participation is vital. Data collected in the Census helps governments, businesses, not-for-profit and community organisations across the country make national decisions and local services, such as allocating national funding for education, health & infrastructure, planning for aged care and improved well-being for older Australians ensuring regional and rural communities can access health care. Census data is used to plan and deliver a variety of services across Australia.
This year’s Census will be more important than ever as it will provide valuable insights into how the pandemic has changed life in Australia.
An independent report has found that every $1 spend on the Census creates $6 of value to the Australian economy.
How the Census benefits you
Having the right numbers means the right services can be provided in your community. Information from the Census helps communities, governments and businesses across the country make informed decisions.
Census data helps inform services that improve the lives of people, families and communities. For example:
- Royal Flying Doctor Service uses the information to make sure people in rural Australia can get the health care they need
- Council on the Ageing uses the information to help understand the issues affecting older Australians.
Read more Census stories about how Census data is used in your community.
Who needs to participate
The Census is compulsory.* Everyone who is staying in your household on Census night must be included. This includes visitors and babies. See here for more detail about who to include in your form.
You should complete the Census wherever you are on Census night.
The Census includes everyone in Australia, Norfolk Island, the Territories of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island. This includes international visitors and students.
The Census does not include Australian residents who are out of the country on Census night, nor foreign diplomats and their families living in Australia.
*See the 2021 Census Privacy Statement for more information.
