10/08/2026
Under the Census and Statistics Act 1905, completion is compulsory and there are fines for non-compliance.
To that end, remember that there is no legal requirement to answer every question, but you may not provide false information.
What you may refuse:
1. Sensitive or intrusive questions (ie religion, income, health conditions, personal beliefs, anything you reasonably believe is too intrusive etc) = these questions are optional, and the Act does not compel disclosure of sensitive personal data.
2. Questions you genuinely cannot answer (ie if you don’t know the information, you are not legally required to guess or provide false information).
3. Self-incrimination (ie you are afforded protections by law from being compelled to provide information that could incriminate you).
4. Privacy-based objections (ie names, personal identifiers, details you believe breach your privacy beyond that of basic household information etc), even where that data may facilitate the ABS to count population and dwellings.
Just because you are asked a question, you do not always have to answer it; but keep in mind that the Census is a way in which to assist resource allocation and direct focus and attention in society.
Please do your part in assisting the mechanisms that provide help and support to those that need it.
