The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the Hon Chris Peace, today launched one of the biggest peace-time recruitment operations in Australia's history.
“About 30,000 people across Australia are needed in the next few months to help deliver and collect Census forms.
“The Census of Population and Housing is held once every five years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. There will be a Census on 8 August this year.”
Speaking at the Mural Hall of Parliament House, Mr Pearce said that the first phase of this massive recruitment drive was the employment of Area Supervisors.
“About 3,500 Area Supervisors are needed Australia wide. Applications for these jobs are open now. In early April the Area Supervisors will employ and train about 26,000 Collectors.
“Become an Area Supervisor or Collector and you will become part of a great national tradition and make an important contribution to your community,” Mr Pearce said, “and you will be paid for making that contribution.”
Mr Pearce said the Census was vital to communities across the nation, “The Census is the basis for all ABS population figures. It tells us the size and nature of our population, and helps define who we are as Australians.
“Community groups and all levels of government rely on Census figures as the basis for planning community infrastructure and services. Census figures also form the basis for Australian Government funding to the states and territories.
Mr Pearce said that to help get the most accurate Census information possible it is essential to employ the right people to get the job done.
To apply for a job as an Area Supervisor go to www.abs.gov.au/recruitment or call 1300 236 787.
CANBERRA
13 February 2006
Contact: Gillian Harvey 03 9887 3890 or 0411 567 060