2021 Australian census


The 2021 Australian census will be the eighteenth national population and housing census in Australia. The census will be officially conducted with effect on 10th August 2021.

Introduction

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is legislated to collect, hold and disseminate census data under the , and the .
The 2016 Australian census was the previous census completed. Participation in the census is compulsory which empowers the Statistician to request persons to complete forms. Like all censuses since the 2001 Australian census, personally-identified information kept and securely held by the National Archives of Australia for the 99 years starting from the 2001 census will be made public in 2100.
The final 2021 census questions are anticipated to be published in 2020.

Overview

Census topic development

The 2021 census topics have been developed by Australian Bureau of Statistics.
  1. ABS begins consultation
  2. Publishes details of submission process
  3. Public submissions open
  4. ABS publishes consultation summary and refined recommendations
  5. Approvals by Australian Government
  6. ABS publishes final 2021 census questions

    Data collection

Due to public expectations of interacting with government through digital services. People will also be able to complete their Census using the paper form.

Online

From the 2006 to 2016 censuses, completing it online has been an optional method with sixty-three percent in 2016. People will again be able to complete their Census online in 2021.