Community leaders are encouraging Australians to take part in the 2026 Census, arguing that being counted helps governments, businesses and community organisations make better decisions about schools, hospitals, childcare and local services.
The call comes as households across the country receive instructions on how to complete the Census ahead of Census night on Tuesday 11 August.
Business and community leader Tania de Jong said Census participation plays an important role in ensuring communities are recognised and represented.
Having migrated to Australia from Malaysia more than 30 years ago as a single parent with two young daughters, she said she had experienced the value of inclusion and representation first-hand.
De Jong said Census data had practical value for planning and investment decisions. During her time as chief operating officer of a national education business, demographic data showed population growth in Melbourne’s western and northern growth corridors, particularly among multicultural families.
She said that information helped determine where new tutoring campuses should be established and how parents could be engaged through culturally appropriate communication.
“Reliable demographic data gives leaders the evidence needed to back up or challenge their assumptions,” she said.
De Jong said Census data helps communities tell their story and creates a historical record of how Australia has changed over time.
She said migration patterns, housing, education, employment and community needs had continued to evolve since the 2021 Census, making accurate participation important for future planning.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics says Census data is used to build a picture of what communities across Australia need and can help inform planning for roads, schools, healthcare, childcare and other local services.
Emily Walter, the ABS national spokesperson for the Census, said households that know where they will be on Tuesday 11 August can complete their Census early.
“While many households have completed their Census already, we’re urging those who haven’t to do so as soon as possible,” Walter said.
“You don’t have to wait until Census night.”
The ABS says everyone in Australia on Census night must be included on a Census form, including international students, visitors and visa holders.
Walter said participation helps create an accurate picture of multicultural Australia, including the languages people speak and how communities are changing.
Support is available for people who need assistance completing the Census, including translated information, online resources, in-person help and telephone assistance through the Translating and Interpreting Service.
The Census takes the average household about 30 minutes to complete.
The ABS says information collected in the Census is protected by law and cannot be released in a way that is likely to identify individuals, including to other government agencies.
De Jong said completing the Census is ultimately about ensuring that every person, family and community has the opportunity to be counted.
Further information about the 2026 Census is available through the Australian Bureau of Statistics, including translated resources for people who wish to access information in their preferred language.
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