Announcement
Not Done Your Census? Still time..
Australia's 19th Census of Population and Housing was held on Tuesday 11 August 2026, with every household across the country asked to take part in one of the nation's most important statistical collections.
Help and support
OK, Census Tuesday has come and gone and you haven't completed your census.. what next?
Believe it or not, you STILL have time! Get your census in now and avoid a hefty fine. Follow the steps below, and if it's all still too complicated, call 1800 181 227*.
* Call free from landlines. Some mobile carriers charge to call 1800 numbers.
No excuses when the fine arrives in the mail! (up to $364 per day)
I want to do my census now...
1. I know my Census Number
Start Census Now
2. I don't know my Census Number
Get your Census number
3. I need help with my Census - Get someone to help you
Get Help
Can I talk to someone
Yes, for assistance, call 1800 181 227*.
* Call free from landlines. Some mobile carriers charge to call 1800 numbers.
Census Help
Help with your Census
Away on Census night
Contact Australian Bureau of Statistics
Help and support over the phone, call 1800 181 227.
The Census Contact Centre is open 7am to 10pm every day, local time.
Australian Census 2026
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will conduct the 19th Australian Census of Population and Housing on the night of Tuesday 11 August 2026.
Complete your 2026 Census
The quickest and easiest way is to complete the census for your address is follow the instructions sent to you in a letter.
1. Census Letter
2. Online Census
3. Paper Census
1. Census Letter
From late July, instructions are sent to every houeshold address in Australia how to complete the census online or on paper.
2. Online Census
The instructions in the letter include a unique Census number and a temporary password. Use these to log in and complete your Census online.
You can complete the Census as soon as you get your instructions, if you know where you'll be on Census night. You need to complete the Census for your address, and include everyone who'll spend the night* at your address on Census night.
* yourself, your spouse/partner, family members, housemates, flat mates or boarders, visitors or friends.
If your address is unoccupied or you're away on Census night, then complete a report a not at home or unoccupied address form.
Complete Census Online
3. Paper Census
If you would prefer to use a paper census form, you can request one.
1. Request (online)
Request a paper form (online)
2. Request (phone)
Call the 24-hour automated paper form request service on 1800 130 250. You will need your 16-digit Census number from your Census letter.
3. Pick up a paper census from a local Pop-up Hub.
Census Pop-up Hub
Help Completing the Census
The Australian Bureau of Statistics offers extensive support to help households complete the Census.
Information is available explaining:
-:- who should be included in the Census
-:- why each Census question is asked
-:- how personal information is protected
-:- support services available for completing the Census
-:- how to recognise official Census information and avoid misinformation.
See below for more common questions and answers.
Help with your Census form
Census Enquiry Service
For assistance, contact the Census Contact Centre on 1800 181 227.
The Contact Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm (local time).
❊ Key Information ❊
Where
Official Links
Census Letter
Is the letter you have received genuine / real?The instructions guide you how to complete a Census either online or on paper. It will never ask for:
-:- your bank details or credit card information
-:- money or donations
-:- identity documents or your tax file number.
Identify Misinformation
Census
Held every five years, the Census provides a snapshot of Australia's population by collecting information about the people living in every household across the country on Census night. The data helps governments, businesses and community organisations make informed decisions about future planning and investment.Information collected through the Census is used to guide funding and services for local communities, including transport infrastructure, childcare, schools, hospitals, emergency services and housing.
Everyone in Australia on Census night is counted, including Australian residents, international visitors and people living in Norfolk Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island.
Why the Census Matters
The Census provides the most comprehensive picture of Australia's population and housing. It helps identify how communities are changing over time and ensures services are planned where they are needed most.All information collected is protected by strict privacy laws and security measures. Individual responses remain confidential and are used only for statistical purposes.
Security
Your 2026 Census information is heavily protected by strict federal laws, and names and addresses are separated from survey answers early in the process. The Australian Bureau of Statistics legally cannot share your personal details with the police, tax office, or immigration.How Your Data is Protected
Legal Secrecy: Protected under the Census and Statistics Act 1905, with heavy fines or jail time for staff who breach confidentiality.Data Separation: Names and addresses are detached from your demographic answers early on.
Destruction Timeline: Names are deleted within 18 months, and addresses are destroyed within 36 months.
Encryption: Online submissions use high-level TLS encryption similar to internet banking.
Addressing the Naysayers and Concerns
To the doubters, Australian Citizens and anti-government groups..Intrusion and Surveillance Worries: Critics and privacy advocates often argue that collecting names/addresses makes the census "non-anonymous". The Australian Bureau of Statistics counters that retaining identifiers temporarily ensures people aren't double-counted and improves data accuracy.
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