The Census is the largest form of information gathering conducted in Australia. It happens once every five years.
Census data is used to distribute funding, draw electoral boundaries, and plan critical public infrastructure like schools, hospitals, public transport, and roads.
On Tuesday, every person in Australia must complete the form. You fill it out as a household.
It’s mandatory for everyone in the country on the night.
What if I’m not home on Census night?
If you stay at another household on Census night, you’ll be included on the form for that household and need to fill it out there. Whoever’s at your usual place will mark you as “away” on theirs.
This also covers anyone travelling overnight on a long-distance train, bus or flight. You can fill out the form online before you go, as long as you already know where you’ll be on the night.
BUT, if you’re overseas on Census night, you don't need to complete the Census at all. If your entire household is going to be away, you should let the ABS know online in advance.
Do you actually HAVE to do the Census?
Yes. The Census is compulsory for every person physically in Australia on the evening of Tuesday 11 August.
If you fail to complete the Census, you could be issued a formal legal directive to do so. You may be fined $364 every day after receiving the notice until you file it.
Do you have to tell the truth?
The ABS says: “Knowingly providing false or misleading statements or information is an offence and can result in a fine of up to $3,640.”
During the 2001 Census, about 70,000 people joked that they identified as being from the religious order of the Jedi (a Star Wars reference).
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Since then, the ABS has started clamping down on people giving misleading information on their form with financial penalties.
What are the new questions on gender and sexual orientation?
The 2026 Census will include new questions about gender and sexuality.
The first is “how does the person describe their sexual orientation?”
Options for answers will include: straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, another term.
The Census will collect data on gender diverse people by asking two questions: “What was the person’s sex recorded at birth?” and “What is the person’s gender?”. The latter will include options for non-binary people.
Equality Australia notes you should only answer these questions if you feel comfortable doing so.
It’s important to note that your Census information is protected by law and cannot be shared with other government agencies, courts or tribunals in a way that identifies you.
If I live in a share house, how do we fill out the Census?
If you live in a share house, you must include everyone staying overnight at your address on Tuesday 11 August, including housemates and visitors.
If someone who usually lives there is away, mark them as away.
Normally you will only submit one form as a household. You can either fill this out together or complete your personal sections separately.
If you’re worried about your housemates finding out how much you earn (or other personal details), don’t worry. You can request your own personal Census to fill out.
