Making sure everyone is counted
The Census, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, is a national count of every person and household in Australia. Census information helps governments and communities understand local needs and plan services such as housing, health, transport, education and community programs.
Everyone staying in Australia on Census night, Tuesday 11 August, needs to be included.
The information you provide is confidential and protected by law.
How to complete the Census
- online
- on paper
- with help from the Census team.
Online
Most households will receive instructions from late July, including a Census number and temporary password for online completion.
- Visit census.abs.gov.au.
- Enter your Census number and password.
- Complete the Census and submit.
If you don’t receive instructions, you can request a Census number at census.abs.gov.au
Paper form
Some households will automatically receive a paper form. If you prefer a paper form and did not receive one, you can request one through the Census Contact Centre.
- Visit census.abs.gov.au/help or call the 24-hour automated paper form request service on 1800 130 250.
- Complete your paper form.
- Return to the ABS in the Reply Paid envelope provided.
Help from the Census team
People who may need assistance can access support through:
- Census Contact Centre – call 1800 181 227 for help completing the form, requesting a paper form, or getting a Census number to complete separately from your household.
- Trusted person support – a family member, friend, carer or community worker can help complete the form if the person agrees.
- Online guidance – step‑by‑step instructions and translated materials are available on the ABS website.
- Multicultural communities: Support is available for people who prefer information in a language other than English.
- Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National): 131 450.
- Translated Census information available on the ABS website.
Temporary dwelling and homelessness
On Census night, if you are staying temporarily with family or friends, couch surfing, living in overcrowded dwellings, without stable accommodation or are in between places:
- leave the address section blank
- write “NONE” in the suburb field.
This ensures your circumstances are counted accurately and helps reflect the different ways people may be living in the community. This information helps guide future housing and community service planning and provides a stronger evidence base for the City’s Regional Homelessness Plan.
Additional support
The Census aims to count everyone, including people who may face barriers to participation.
Support is available through the Census Contact Centre (1800 181 227), language assistance via TIS National (131 450) and help from a trusted person such as a family member, friend, carer or community worker.
These options help ensure everyone can participate confidently and be counted.
Stay up to date with the latest Census information via social media: