Get ready, the 2026 Census is coming on Tuesday, 11 August, 2026. Whether you’re an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, a temporary visa holder, or even just visiting, here’s what you need to know.
Every five years, Australians and Australian residents are asked to sit down and take stock of where we are as a nation.
“The Census provides some of the country’s most valuable statistics,” said Emily Walter, Census National Spokesperson. “It’s a snapshot of who we are and how we are changing, informing what we need now and into the future.”
The Census is compulsory for everyone currently in the country. There are multiple ways to complete the Census form, including online or on paper. In 2016, the Census website did crash thanks in part to a massive surge of users logging on. I experienced it myself, but thankfully was able to complete the survey eventually. It was a viral event and led to the online hashtag #CensusFail. It ultimately led to a Senate Inquiry into the Government’s IT capabilities. Thankfully, in 2021, the next Census, the system did not crash thanks to an updated IT infrastructure that not only handled the millions of submissions but also fended off unsuccessful cyberattacks.
To ensure this year’s Census is smooth, the Australian National Audit Office conducted a Cyber Security Readiness report for the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The report states that the “digital infrastructure is accredited, securely hosted in Australia, and aligned with recognised cyber security and information assurance standards.”
“Keeping people’s information safe and secure is a top priority for the ABS and is a major consideration when designing all elements of the Census, including the Census online form.”
So how does it work? Well, every household will receive instructions via a letter in the mail. Most will receive a letter with instructions on how to fill out the form online. If you receive a paper form, you can fill it out and return it using the Reply Paid envelope included with your form. However, if you would prefer a paper form, you can request one (information will be on that letter). So keep an eye on your post.
Technically, you could complete the Census form if you will be unable to fill it out on Census night (11 August 2026), but know where you will be.
There’s also an option to subscribe to Census updates through myGov. If you’ve signed up for updates there, you will receive a message with instructions on how to fill out the form on 11 August.
As mentioned above, the 2026 Census is compulsory for everyone. Personally, this is my first Australian Census as a citizen, as I gained my citizenship of this beautiful country in late 2025. However, I was obliged to fill out the last two Censuses (in 2016 while on a temporary work visa and in 2021 as a permanent resident. In both instances, I was a “resident for tax purposes” as a visa holder.
Many temporary residents (and citizens) may assume that because visa holders are not citizens, they don’t have to do the Census, but they do. And just like citizens, temporary residents are also affected by the results. Additionally, everyone currently on Norfolk Island and the Territories of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island must fill out the 2026 Census. Politicians and the government will use the results of the Census to make decisions about policies, including budget planning, support for social services, and even visa requirements.
Emily Walter uses the example of how PlayGroup Australia uses Census data to understand community needs.
“Playgroups have become more vital than ever for providing trusted, community-based spaces that support early childhood development, social connection and parental wellbeing,” she explains.
“Census data helps them plan the timing and locations of playgroups to accommodate working parents, while also identifying gaps in their network.”
If you don’t fill out the survey, you may be prosecuted and fined up to $330 a day. Eek.
What is involved in the Census, I hear you ask. Well, thankfully, it’s not as intense as a permanent resident visa or passport application, or even your tax return. You’re simply answering questions about yourself and the occupants of the place you’re currently in.
Everyone in your household (including visitors) will need to fill out:
- Their name, sex recorded at birth, date of birth and age, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status
- Their current address and addresses for one year and five years ago
- Their current marital status
- Their country of birth, citizenship, ancestry, religion, languages used, countries of birth of parents and year of arrival in Australia (if applicable)
- Whether they need assistance with self-care, body movement or communication activities
- Whether they have a long-term health condition
- Their education and qualifications (for people aged 15 years and older)
- Their work (paid and unpaid) and total personal income
- Whether they have served in the Australian Defence Force.
- Their gender (for those aged 16 years and older, but you can choose to select ‘prefer not to answer’)
- Their sexual orientation (for those aged 16 years and older, but you can choose to select ‘prefer not to answer’)
For more information or assistance with the 2026 Census form, you can find more information here.
