The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has announced that the 2021 Australian Census is to include a question about service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Darren Chester welcomed the announcement saying the Census would be of great importance to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
Mr Chester said the Census would provide a better understanding of how many veterans Australia had and where they lived, which would help DVA to deliver the right services in the right areas.
“Historically, just because a person served in the ADF doesn’t mean they required services or support from DVA, making it hard to give a definitive answer on how many veterans are in Australia,” Mr Chester said.
“The Census will provide better data to help guide services and support for Australia’s veterans, and will help inform our policy response to issues facing veterans, such as health, housing and employment,” he said.
“The data will also have the potential to help State and Territory government agencies and ex-service organisations better target and improve services and support.”
Mr Chester said the exact wording of the question was yet to be finalised.
Information on the ABS’s test question, which separate out permanent and reserve service, along with current or previous service, can be accessed at this PS News link.
