The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) launched a national campaign over the weekend (4 July) to support the rollout of the 2021 Census on 10 August.
The Australian Statistician and Head of the ABS, David Gruen said the campaign, Every stat tells a story, was based on the idea that the Census wasn’t just about numbers, but the stories those numbers told.
“Census data provides a snapshot of the nation and gives us important information about our economic, social and cultural make-up,” Dr Gruen said.
“While most people know the Census informs decisions on transport, schools, health care, roads and buildings, they may not know data is also used extensively at the local or community level,” he said.
“Our message for Census is ‘Every stat tells a story’ and our advertising features real-life examples of how Census data is used to guide services for individuals, families and communities.”
Dr Gruen said the campaign included materials and resources to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to complete the Census, including radio advertising translated into 19 Indigenous languages.
The Australian Statistician said households would have several days to complete the Census, rather than a single night.
“I encourage everyone to participate in the 2021 Census and help build a better future for all of us,” he said.
General Manager of the Census Division at ABS, Chris Libreri said the campaign also included tailored communication in up to 29 languages to help ensure multicultural communities were informed and ready to participate.
“With nearly half of Australians either born overseas, or with one or both parents born overseas, it’s important for our multicultural communities to have information about the Census in their language, in particular new migrants who will be doing the Australian Census for the first time,” Mr Libreri said.
Further information on the 2021 Census can be accessed at this PS News link.
