WORLD NEWS
In Australia tonight? You count in the 2026 Census
Everyone in Australia, Norfolk Island, the Cocos Islands and Christmas Island on the night of Aug. 11 must be included in the 2026 Census.
It is compulsory and not limited to citizens, but individual answers are not used for compliance or law enforcement.
Who must be counted?
Location on Census night matters more than nationality. Visitors and temporary residents are included, usually on one household form.
How can people respond?
The form can be completed online or on paper, with ABS help available. Use the official route shown in the household letter.
What does it ask?
Questions cover age, family, housing, education and work. Gender and sexual-orientation topics are new or updated in 2026.
What happens to the data?
ABS says identifiable household information will not be released. Most results begin in June 2027, with some employment data following in October.