The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is ready to deliver a COVID safe and responsive 2021 Census.
Most people will complete the Census online with no contact from the ABS and all Census staff will operate under a COVID safe plan. The plan follows guidelines from federal, state and territory governments to keep the community safe.
Andrew Henderson, Census Executive Director and National Spokesperson said, "in the lead up to Census, we've undertaken extensive planning about how we engage with the community and ensure the safety of our staff during the pandemic.
"We were able to successfully test these plans in our major test of 100,000 dwellings across Australia in October 2020.
"For the vast majority of people, the Census is going to be contact free. Most people will receive instructions by mail in early August and we expect 75 per cent online completion which means they will have no interaction with Census staff.
"Field activity by Census staff is more common in areas where internet access or postal services are less reliable or where communities need extra help to complete the Census. Where we do need to work in the community, we will do so safely and in accordance with all public health orders.
"Ultimately, the health and safety of our Census staff and members of the community is our highest priority."
We will continue to monitor health and government advice and actively adjust our approach to the circumstances in any given location to deliver the Census in a COVID safe way.
Field Officers play a vital role in delivering the Census and can be identified by their official identification passes, bright yellow satchels and official ABS documentation detailing the work they're doing.
