As Friday’s census deadline unceremoniously came and went, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is confident almost all Australians have completed the census, despite the online form census-night debacle.
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Friday, September 23 was the final day on which the census could be completed and head of the 2016 census Duncan Young said only a small percentage of Australians are yet to complete the census.
“Around 95 percent of Australians have completed the census,” Mr Young said.
“Paper forms will continue to be accepted as they make their way back via return mail,” he added.
Mr Young emphasised the fact that the current return rate will yield high quality data.
“We are certainly past the point that makes it a high quality data set for analysis,” he said.
The ABS continues to urge those who are yet to complete the census to do so, pointing to the importance of the data collected by the national headcount.
“People can still contact us if they have questions, and receive a paper form if they need one.
“Your participation is essential to the future of your community. Without this information, the government, organisations and community groups aren’t able to plan and provide vital services for you, your community and your area,” Mr Young said.
Australians can be slapped with a fine of up to $180 a day for failing to complete the census but the ABS has assured the public this fine is only used sparingly.
Once all the data has been collected, the ABS will analyse it and plan to release their initial findings on April 17, 2017.
The April release date is two months earlier than past censuses and the efficient analysis is due to a high proportion of forms being completed online.
