2026 Census: Key dates, how to complete it, and who must participate
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Australia's 2026 Census will take place on 11 August, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collecting information from everyone in the country to build a nationwide picture of the population.
Households will begin receiving Census instructions from late July, with most people encouraged to complete the survey online. Paper forms are also available on request.
The Census is mandatory for everyone in Australia on Census night, including citizens, permanent residents, international students, temporary visa holders and overseas visitors. People travelling within Australia on the night must still complete the Census and provide details of where they are staying or travelling.
Generally, one person can complete the form for the household, although separate forms can be requested for privacy.
The survey covers topics such as age, ancestry, religion, education, employment, housing, and sex recorded at birth. Information is also available in 26 languages, with free translation and interpreting services to help people complete the form.
The ABS has recruited around 30,000 field staff to assist people in remote communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and those experiencing homelessness.
Australians who are overseas on Census night do not need to complete the survey. However, household members should mark them as temporarily away if their usual residence is in Australia.
The Census is required by law. People who fail to complete it after receiving a formal direction may face fines of up to AUD$364 per day, while knowingly providing false information can result in penalties of up to AUD$3,640.
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Source : SBS News
