Source : Perth Now news
Anyone who skips this month’s compulsory census or lies on the form could face fines of up to $3640.
Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistic (ABS) conducts a census to better understand a variety of demographics, data and information that make up Australia.
Those who fail to complete the form will receive a letter from the ABS instructing them to complete it.
If they do not comply, they could face a fine up to $364 per day it goes incomplete.
It is also an offence to provide false statements and can result in a fine of up to $3640.
How do you complete the census?
To complete the census, every household in Australia, including those on Christmas Island and Norfolk Island, will receive a letter in the mail that will instruct them on how to complete the census online on the night of August 11.
Those interested in filling the census out on paper can make a request to do so with the ABS.
Everyone in Australia on August 11, including those who are not citizens, such as tourists and those on temporary visas, must complete the census.
However, an Australian travelling internationally at the time will not be required to complete it.
What help is available?
Some people living in remote areas or experiencing homelessness can complete the census with the assistance of field staff.
The ABS has hired about 30,000 field staff.
Information is also accessible online in 26 languages, with free translation and interpreting services available.
What kind of questions will you need to answer?
There are 66 questions on the form this year that include a variety of topics including your address, people in the household, cultural background, education, income, job and how you commute to work.
The ABS has stated this year’s census will include new questions on gender and sexual orientation, which has caused some controversy online.
One question will ask about a person’s sex recorded at birth.
For people aged 16 years and older, it also asks for their gender and how the person describes their sexual orientation.
A ‘prefer not to answer’ option is included for both new questions.
The last census was held on August 10, 2021.
