Victoria
Australians still waiting for Census instructions with days to go
Some households are still waiting to receive their Census instructions less than a week before the national survey takes place.
With less than a week remaining until Census night, some households across Australia are still waiting to receive their official instructions to complete the national survey.
According to reporting by the ABC, multiple residents have raised concerns after failing to receive the paper forms or digital access codes required to participate in the count. The delay has prompted questions about the distribution process and whether everyone will be able to complete the survey on time.
The Census is a crucial national undertaking, occurring every five years to gather essential demographic data used to plan public services, infrastructure and funding across Victoria and the rest of the nation. Participation in the survey is compulsory for all households.
Typically, instructions and unique login codes are delivered by mail or hand-delivered by Census field officers in the weeks leading up to the designated night. For those who prefer paper forms, these must also be requested and delivered in advance.
It remains unclear exactly how many households have been affected by the distribution delays, or which specific regions have experienced the most significant backlogs. The Australian Bureau of Statistics, which oversees the operation, has previously emphasised the importance of completing the form on or by the designated night.
For residents who have not yet received their instructions, the agency typically provides online options to request a new access code or a physical form, though time is running short for postal delivery.
What to watch next is whether the Australian Bureau of Statistics will extend the completion window or deploy additional field staff to address the delivery shortfalls.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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