Australia is set to undertake its national Census next Tuesday, an extensive effort to count every resident across the country. This includes people living in urban apartments, remote Indigenous communities, offshore oil rigs, and even passengers on cruise ships within Australian waters.
Censuses have been conducted for thousands of years, with some of the earliest records dating back to ancient Mesopotamia around 3800 BC, where authorities counted people, animals, and food supplies. Australia’s first nationwide Census took place in 1911, relying on field officers who collected data by foot, horse, cart, and bicycle, with results manually tabulated.
The 2026 Census introduces several modernizations. For the first time, individuals could subscribe via the government’s myGov platform to receive updates and access the Census form online. Those who did not register online will be sent instructions by mail, offering options to complete the Census either electronically or through traditional paper forms.
Preparations for this Census have been underway since the 2021 enumeration, involving years of planning, community consultation, testing, and engagement. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), responsible for conducting the Census, emphasizes the importance of counting everyone accurately to ensure data quality.
Reaching all populations requires significant logistics, especially for those who are harder to contact. The ABS has special teams dedicated to engaging with people experiencing homelessness and visiting Australia’s most isolated regions. Approximately 30,000 Census staff have been trained nationwide to support data collection efforts.
On the night of the Census, the ABS expects its online system to handle up to 20,000 form submissions per minute, reflecting the scale of this digital component. The resulting data will provide a detailed snapshot of Australia's demographic and social landscape, informing government planning and policy development.
The Australian government views the Census as a vital exercise that helps capture the diverse makeup of the nation today to guide decisions for Australia's future.