Census in Australia
| Census of Population and Housing | ||
|---|---|---|
ABS House, the headquarters for the Australian Bureau of Statistics | ||
| General information | ||
| Country | Australia | |
| Website | census | |
| Results | ||
| Total population | 25,956,142 | |
| Most populous | New South Wales (8,095,400) | |
| Least populous | Jervis Bay Territory (313) | |
The Census in Australia, officially the Census of Population and Housing, is the national census in Australia that occurs every five years.[1] The census collects key demographic, social and economic data from all people in Australia on census night, including overseas visitors and residents of Australian external territories, only excluding foreign diplomats.[2] The census is the largest and most significant statistical event in Australia and is run by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).[3] Every person must complete the census, although some personal questions are not compulsory.[4] The penalty for failing to complete the census after being directed to by the Australian Statistician is A$220.[5] The Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 and Census and Statistics Act 1905 authorise the ABS to collect, store, and share anonymised data.[6]
The first Australian census was held on 2 April 1911,[7] but census data had been previously collected by individual states.
The most recent census was held on 10 August 2021.[8] The next census will be held in early August 2026.
- ^ "Census Data". University of Sydney. 6 July 2020. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "2021 Census overview". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 20 July 2020. Archived from the original on 31 July 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ Kalisch, David (2 July 2017). "2016 Census of Population and Housing data release national media conference". YouTube. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "2011 Census: Census help: About the Census". Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Government. 16 July 2011. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 5 August 2011.
- ^ Census and Statistics Act 1905 (Cth) s 14
- ^ "Privacy, Confidentiality and Security". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 22 February 2018. Archived from the original on 9 March 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ "Marking 100 years of Australian Censuses". Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Government. 20 November 2009. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
- ^ "2021 Census topics and data release plan | Australian Bureau of Statistics". www.abs.gov.au. 16 November 2020.