Surveys

Do I have to pa​rticipate in an A​ustralian Bureau of Statistics survey?

The Australian Bureau of S​​tatistics (ABS) regularly undertakes surveys to get statistical information. If you are contacted by the ABS to participate in a survey (and you are not a business) you do not have to participate, unless you are directed to do so in writing. 

If you receive a written request you must comply within the timeframe given to you, unless you believe that you should not have to do the survey because of your religious beliefs.

If you do not want to do the survey, you should get legal advice. 

It is an offence under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 (Cth) if you do not comply with a written request to participate in an ABS survey. You can be given a fine and this amount can increase each day (after the due date) until you comply. 

It is also an offence to give false or misleading information.

Any information you provide to the ABS is confidential.

For more information about surveys, see the Australian Bureau Statistics website. 

What is a referendum?  

In Australia, a referendum is a vote used to approve a change to the Australian Constitution. Section 128 of the Constitution sets out certain rules that must be followed for a change to be approved.  

In Australia, if the government wants to change the Constitution, they must arrange a referendum and all citizens must vote on the change.  

What was the voice referendum? 

Australians were asked to write “yes” or “no” to this question: 

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this change?” 

What was the outcome of the voice referendum? 

The voice referendum was held on 14 October 2023.  

More than 60 per cent of Australians voted No to altering the constitution to create a Voice to Parliament. Accordingly, no change was made to the Australian constitution. 

When is the next Census?

The next Census will be in 2026. For more information, see 2026 Census topic review on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.

Do I have to complete the Census on Census night?

No, you can complete your Census before Census night if you know who will be home on this night.

What options are available for completing the Census form?

You can fill in the form online or by post. Paper Census forms will only be delivered to selected areas where people are more likely to respond using the paper form. If you do not receive a paper form, you can request one online or over the phone.

Do I have to participate in​ the Census?

The Census is undertaken every five years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. During the Census every household and person in the country is required to answer specific questions. 

The Census and Statistics Act 1905 (Cth) outlines that you have a legal requirement to participate in the Census, unless you believe that you should not have to do it because of your religious beliefs. 

If you do not want to do the Census, you should get legal advice.

It is an offence not to participate in the Census and you can be given a fine. The fine amount can also increase each day (from the due date) until you comply. It is also an offence to give false or misleading information. 

Any information you provide as part of the Census is confidential. 

For more information, see Census on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website. 

Will I get fined if I do not participate​​ in the Census?

It is an offence not to participate in the Census.

If you did not complete the Census, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) may contact you to remind you of your legal responsibility to do so. You may receive a letter or a direction.

If you still refuse, you may be fined a daily amount until the form is returned.

If you have not completed the Census and you have received a letter or direction from the ABS, you should get legal advice. ​