The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today encouraged residents in selected parts of Australia to play a vital role in helping get Australia's population count right by taking part in a test run for the 2011 Census.
"With population now firmly on the national agenda, the Census of Population and Housing is more important than ever," the Assistant Treasurer said.
"It provides comprehensive data about the number of people in Australia, their key characteristics and where they live – crucial facts to helping plan for our country's future."
"This year's dress rehearsal in parts of New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia will be a critical test run for next August's main event, which will mark 100 years of Census taking in Australia."
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will conduct the rehearsal between 31 May and 2 July 2010 and the test run will include a sample of 20,000 dwellings and several remote and Indigenous communities.
"This will provide the ABS with valuable knowledge and experience to help ensure procedures are right for the Census in 2011," the Assistant Treasurer said.
"Participation in the rehearsal is voluntary, but I urge people living or staying in Census test areas to take part."
"It will help make sure the ABS can get the most accurate count of the nation when the Census is conducted on 9 August next year."
"If you are in the test area, a Census Collector will soon be delivering forms which will allow you to participate."
"You will have the option of filling in the paper test form or completing it online via the test eCensus."
"The Census is the largest statistical operation undertaken by the ABS and one of the biggest peace time operations in Australia."
"Community organisations, private institutions and all levels of government use Census data to plan infrastructure – including roads, hospitals, public transport and where to provide services for the elderly and young people," the Assistant Treasurer said.
2011 Census Rehearsal Areas and Dates
New South Wales – 15 June 2010
- Marrickville
- Blacktown
- Kingsford
- Dubbo
South Australia – 15 June 2010
- Port Augusta
- Salisbury
Western Australia and South Australia – 31 May - 2 July 2010
Several remote Indigenous communities in:
- The Pilbara
- East Kimberley
- Central Desert
- Port Augusta
Note: These communities will be told approximately when the count will occur in their area prior to 31 May.