Facts on Census

AUGUST 9, 2016: REPORTS concerning fines of up to $180 per day for not completing the Census tonight are causing many people in the electorate undue concern.The facts are that those who have not yet received their Census log in details, or paper copies of forms, will not be fined.I want to provide the following information to allay peoples’ concerns.

• People who are still waiting for either Census Log In details, or printed versions of the Census, will not be fined.
•  There is a generous grace period for the Census to be completed.
• Field officers will visit homes that haven’t participated in the Census after today and it can be completed online until September 23.
• People are legally required to complete the Census, and there is a provision under the Census Act to impose a fine of $180 per day if that person is prosecuted and convicted.
• Fines such as these will not be imposed upon people who are waiting to receive their Census details or forms.
• The reason for the switch to online completion is to save taxpayers’ money.
• 65% of Australian households are expected to complete the Census online, and this will save taxpayers more than $100 million.