The next Australian Census will take place on the night of 9 August 2016. The Australian Bureau of Statistics website contains the following statement.
"The Australian Bureau of Statistics is preparing to count close to 10 million dwellings and approximately 24 million people in Australia on Census night.
The 2016 Census will be Australia’s first Census where more than two thirds of Australia’s population (more than 15 million people) are expected to complete the Census online in August 2016.
New delivery and collection procedures will make it easier to complete the Census online. In the lead up to 9 August, households will receive a letter from the ABS, addressed ‘To the Resident’, including a unique login and instructions on how to complete the Census online.
Completing the Census online will be fast, easy, secure, environmentally friendly, and help to reduce the cost of the Census to the community.
Paper forms can be requested where needed and must be completed and returned in the Reply Paid envelope provided without delay.
The ABS needs the support of everyone in Australia on 9 August next year to make the Census a success. Everyone in Australia is encouraged to participate and take advantage of the fast, easy and secure online option."
Historically the Australian Censuses have not been kept, but rather destroyed after the statistical data has been extracted, a fact which causes disappointment for all Australian family history researchers. So for all the future genealogists out there, when you fill out your census records on paper or digitally, please look for the question which asks if you “want this record kept for historical purposes” and tick YES.
