The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducted the latest Census of Population and Housing on Tuesday, 9 August 2011.
The Census provides a ‘snapshot’ of Australia every five years. It aims to accurately measure the number of people in Australia on Census night and collects vital information on the social, economic and housing characteristics of Australian society.
Why is it important?
The Census provides a critical indicator of homelessness in Australia.
Community organisations, service providers and business all use Census information to plan community facilities, services and support programs, such as emergency shelters for individuals and families, domestic violence programs, transitional housing and specialised programs serving homeless youth.
Who is included in the Census?
Everyone in Australia on Census night, needs to participate in the Census, except foreign diplomats and their families. It is important that everyone takes part, including people in hostels, refuges and people sleeping rough.
Is the personal information provided shared with anyone else?
All information provided in the Census is kept confidential. The ABS does not share any personal information with other government agencies such as Centrelink or the police or with any private organisations.
How is the Census conducted?
The ABS recognised that homeless Australians face a unique set of circumstances and special procedures were put in place to help address the transient nature of homeless people and ensure they were included in the Census.
In July 2011, over 29,000 Census Collectors began delivering Census forms to every household and accommodation service in Australia. Individuals could either fill out the Census form delivered to their household or accommodation service, or complete Census online using the eCensus.
Release Plans
There will be a three-phased release for the 2011 Census data.
Core demographic data items will be available int eh first data release, scheduled for 21 June 2012, and others that require more detailed processiing will be released as part of the second release beginning on 30 October 2012.
The supplementary data release, or third release, relates to the dissemination of highly specialised products. The third release will begin on 28 March 2013, with products released progressively until the end of 2013. This will finalise all Census data ouput for the 2011 Census.
The ABS website will be the main channel for the release of Census data.
Information on the 2011 Census products and services release schedules is available by date and by product.
More information
For more information about the Census visit: www.abs.gov.au/census.