What happens if you forgot to do the census last night?

In Australia, participating in the census is a legal requirement. The Census and Statistics Act 1905 mandates participation, though individuals may not need to fill out a form themselves if someone in their household includes their information.

Census night was on August 11, but this date signifies the reference point for answering questions about location, not the deadline for submission. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) spokesperson confirmed that there is still time to complete the census form after the designated night. Many households submitted their forms early this year, and the ABS anticipates a significant number will be submitted late.

For the 2021 census, the online form remained open for about 10 weeks, and paper forms were accepted for an extended period, with the last one received in December 2021, months after the census night. This indicates flexibility in submission timelines.

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There is still time to complete your form after census night.

While participation is compulsory, the ABS aims for voluntary completion. They will contact individuals who haven't submitted their forms to encourage compliance. However, if a person fails to respond to this initial nudge, the ABS may issue a formal written direction to complete the census. Non-compliance with this legal instruction can lead to prosecution and fines.

Penalties for non-compliance can be substantial, with fines potentially reaching up to $364 per day if prosecuted for failing to complete the census after a formal direction. Additionally, knowingly providing false or misleading information carries a higher fine of up to $3,640. The ABS emphasizes that these measures are in place to ensure the collection of crucial data that informs government planning for healthcare, transport, schools, and infrastructure.

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We aim to get everyone to participate in the census voluntarily.