Canberrans are being invited to help shape the next national Census, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) calling for submissions on what information should be included.
Director of the 2026 Census Content at ABS, Georgia Chapman said the Bureau’s call was an opportunity for people across the country to have their say about what should be included in the ABS’s next five yearly ‘Census of Population and Housing’.
“We are calling people across the country from community groups to peak bodies to have your say by making a submission about what information you need from the Census,” Ms Chapman said.
“Submissions will inform the topic review process ahead of the 2026 Census,” she said.
“This is your chance to reflect the richness of Australia in the next Census and to help inform Australia’s important decisions.”
Ms Chapman said there would be many considerations when determining the topics for the 2026 Census, including why the data was needed, the total number of questions to answer, the cost of processing responses, and whether other data sources could meet these needs.
She said that as part of the process, the ABS would review feedback received since the 2021 Census topics were finalised, the topics shortlisted in the 2021 topic review process and feedback from recent ABS consultations or reviews.
“Phase one of the consultation is open until 28 April 2023,” the Census Director said.
“Later this year, the ABS will play back what it has heard and invite people to comment when progressing with shortlisting topics,” she said.
“In 2024, the ABS will make a recommendation to the Australian Government on the topics that could be included in the next Census.”
Ms Chapman said this recommendation would be based on what the ABS heard during the consultation process.
Further information on the 2026 Census consultation can be accessed at this PS News link.
