Add Category
Almost 95 per cent of Aussies have filled out the Census.
WITH only two days to go, it seems unlikely that the Census will be as successful as in previous years, despite almost 95 per cent of Aussies filling it out.
Australians have until Friday to lodge their form before they are at risk of being fined up to $180 per day for each day they fail to provide the information.
The deadline will put a line under what has been a difficult collection period for the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which has been plagued by problems with its online service.
It’s not yet clear whether these problems will have a big impact on success of this year’s Census but participation does seem to be down.
In 2011, the Census covered 98 per cent of the population, but with two days to go, this year’s survey is hovering at just under 95 per cent.
High participation in the 2011 survey positioned the ABS as a world leader in Census participation. The ABS will be hoping it can make up this year’s gap and maintain its position.
It will continue to accept paper forms as they are received at its Data Capture Centre over the next week.
For those that are still sitting on the fence on whether to complete the Census, they should expect to get a strongly worded letter.
“If a person chooses not to participate in the Census, the Australian Statistician has the power under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 to direct them in writing to do so by issuing a Notice of Direction,†an ABS spokesman said.
“The individual is then legally obliged to do so.â€
In the rare case a person chooses not to follow this direction the matter can be referred to the Director of Public Prosecution, to pursue the matter.
For those who are prosecuted, they can be fined up to $180 per day.
Meanwhile, another 50,000 households will have to complete a Post Enumeration Survey (PES).
These households will be selected randomly and will ask them further questions about their Census answers in a 10 minute interview.
It will be compulsory to participate in the interviews so people will not be able to refuse.
“The PES is an important part of our Census count and we’ve followed up every Census since 1966 with this kind of survey,†the ABS spokesman said.
“The PES is crucial in insuring the ABS’ count is as good as possible — with minimal undercounting or double counting.â€
The Census Inquiry Service will remain open until 5pm AEST on Sunday, 30 September.
The service is open between 8.00am and 8.00pm daily on 1300 214 531 to assist anyone who still has inquiries about the Census, or who requires a paper form.