City of Albany urges all households to participate in count as Census night approaches

Tuesday is Census night, when every person in Australia is counted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the City of Albany is reminding residents of the value in completing the form.

The Census of Population and Housing is conducted every five years, and everyone in the country on Tuesday night to be included on a Census form, giving the Government important information about the population and how it is changing.

The form asks about age, country of birth, cultural background, living situation, work and education, and the information is used to help governments plan for the future and make decisions about transport, schools, infrastructure, and health care.

Every household should have already received a letter with instructions on how to complete the Census, and anyone completing the form for their household should include everyone who will be in the house on Tuesday night and who won’t be included on another form, even if they don’t normally live there.

If your household has not received an instruction letter, you can get a Census number and complete the Census online through the ABS website, or request a paper copy of the form to fill out.

City of Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the Census was invaluable for gathering key information to help Federal, State and local governments make decisions about the city’s residents, and could be crucial for the local government when applying for funding for future projects.

“Completing the Census is one of the simplest ways that community can help shape Albany’s future,” he said.

“The information collected gives the city a clearer picture of who lives in our community, how Albany is changing, and what residents will need in the years ahead.

“It can also influence how government funding and resources are directed to our region, so it’s important that every household is counted.

“By participating, you’re helping to ensure our community is accurately represented, providing us with the information we need to advocate, plan and deliver for Albany.”

Filling out the form is also compulsory, and anyone who fails to do so can be fined up to $364 a day for every day after Tuesday night they have not completed it.

Providing false information on a Census form is also a fineable offence, as is knowingly providing false or misleading statements or information, and can result in a fine of up to $3640.

Census spokesperson Emily Walter said households did not have to wait until census night to complete the form, if they already knew where everyone in their household was going to be on Tuesday night.

“While many households have completed their Census, we’re urging those who haven’t to do so as soon as possible,” she said.

“Most households should have now received a letter in their mailbox with instructions on how to complete the Census.

“If you know where you’ll be on Census night, you can complete your Census early. You don’t have to wait until Census night.”