Can You Get in Trouble for Not Doing the Census
Census Night 2021 is finally here, and it seems to be going to plan - so far.
Australia's bean counters and cyber detectives hope to avoid the embarrassment of another bungled census after the catastrophic crashing on Census Night last time round.
See Teresa Dickinson from the Australian Bureau of Statistics explain how to complete the 2021 census in the video player above
The 2016 national survey was dogged by an online debacle that saw millions of people locked out of the website.
After trusting tech giant IBM with crucial infrastructure last time, which spectacularly crashed, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has rebuilt the census system with consultancy firm PwC Australia and Amazon Web Services.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics expects about 75 per cent of people will complete the August 10 Census online.
Australian Statistician David Gruen says stress on the census system has been eased by Australians completing the survey early.
Australia's 18th Census has so far seen some 3.3 million surveys already returned, which covers about 8.5 million Aussies.
Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar said there was no guarantee cyber attacks wouldn't impact the Census, with some people always wanting to test government systems.
Sukkar said the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Department of Defence and the Digital Transformation Agency have ensured "state of the art" cyber security protections are in place.
"We're very confident about not just the robust security but the protection of people's data," he said.
Watch the video below to see everything you need to know about Census 2021
Is it compulsory to complete the Census?
Yes, filling out the 2021 Census is compulsory.
Failure to fill out the compulsory form will attract a polite reminder and then a fine.
Can you be fined for not doing the 2021 Census?
Yes, you can be fined for not completing the Census.
If you don't fill out the Census, you'll get a warning notice.
If you still don't complete it, you can be prosecuted and fined more than $200 for every day you fail to lodge it.
If you make an inadvertent mistake, that's okay.
But if you deliberately lie, make a false claim or give a silly answer, you could be slapped with a $2200 fine.
How is Census data collected in Australia?
Census data is collected online, via a paper Census form, or via a private Census form.
This information is supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics:
Completing the Census online
Most households (around 85%) will receive a Census letter, either by post or delivered by a Census field officer. This letter will include a unique Census online code for each dwelling and instructions on how to complete the online Census form.
People will visit the Census website, enter their Census online code, create a password, and then start the Census.
Completing a paper Census form
A paper Census form will be delivered to the remaining dwellings, those in areas where we do not have accurate addresses, areas that do not have reliable internet access, or where we consider people are more likely to respond on a paper form.
Alternatively, paper forms can be requested online or by calling the automated Census Paper Form Request Service which will be established in 2021.
A reply-paid envelope will be provided for the return of the completed Census paper form.
Requesting a private Census form
Some people may prefer to keep their Census information private from people they live with.
The ABS can send instructions on how to complete the Census online, or a separate paper form, for those who prefer to complete the Census as an individual rather than as part of a household.
How often is a Census held in Australia?
The Census is held in Australia every five years.
How to fill out Census 2021 online
This information is supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics:
If you received a Census letter or paper form with a Census number and temporary password, use these to start your form.
Find your Census number and temporary password. Your Census number and temporary password are in the Census letter or paper form delivered to your household. Your Census number is 16 digits and your temporary password is 9 characters.
Enter your Census number and temporary password. Your Census number and temporary password needs to be entered as it appears on your letter or form.
Please check that each character is capital (e.g. A) or lower case (e.g. a) as it appears on your Census letter or form. Some browsers may change the first letter to upper case by default. Remember that passwords are case sensitive.
If you do not have a Census number, you can start your form now and you will be given a Census number, or get a Census number and temporary password and start your form at a time that works for you.
What is census data used for?
The Census data provides a snapshot of the nation and important information about Australia's economic, social and cultural make-up.
The data is expected to give an unusual snapshot compared to other years because of COVID-19 lockdowns and border restrictions.
Dr Gruen is predicting the survey will show a mixture of pandemic-specific information and longer-term trends.
He believes the trend of people moving out of capital cities, perhaps accelerated during the pandemic, will be documented in this year's Census.
That would give policymakers a clearer idea of future needs for transport, health, education and other services.
Sukkar also added that the Census "is fundamental to helping us as a nation plan for our future".
"Census data underpins a broad range of government, business and community decisions from major policy and expenditure to local services across infrastructure, health, education and transport," he said.
The data is also used for planning electoral boundaries, federal government grant allocation and GST distribution.
Can You Get in Trouble for Not Doing the Census
Source: https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/explained-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-census-in-australia-c-3647339
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