31/07/2026
Attention Everyone in Australia! The 2026 Census is happening on August 11 ⚠️
The Census is conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), not the Department of Home Affairs.
Whether you are an Australian citizen, PR, international student, temporary visa holder or visitor, what matters is whether you are physically in Australia on Census Night. Everyone in Australia on 11 August 2026 must generally be included on a Census form.
📌 Check your mailbox
Most households will receive a Census letter containing a unique 16-digit Census number and temporary password. You can complete the Census online or request a paper form.
📌 Living in a share house?
Usually, one person completes the Census form for everyone staying in the household that night. If you would prefer not to share personal information such as your income with housemates, you can request a separate Census form.
📌 Is my information safe?
Your information is protected by law. The ABS does not share information from your Census form that could identify you or anyone in your household with other government departments. Census information is used for statistical purposes and is not used for immigration compliance or enforcement.
Census data helps governments and communities plan services such as healthcare, education, public transport, community infrastructure and government funding.
📌 The Census is compulsory
The ABS will normally contact you and encourage you to complete the Census first. If you continue not to respond, you may receive a formal written direction. Failing to comply with that direction can lead to prosecution and fines of up to $364 for each day of non-compliance.
⚠️ Scam warning
The ABS will never ask you to provide bank details, your tax file number or passwords by text. Do not click suspicious links; verify the message directly with the ABS.
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