Australia’s 2026 Census is taking place today, Tuesday, August 11, as households and people across the country take part in the national population and housing survey. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has confirmed that Census Night is here and is encouraging everyone who has not yet completed their Census to participate.

The Census is conducted every five years and provides a detailed snapshot of Australia’s population, households, housing and communities. Information collected through the Census is used to understand how Australia is changing and to help governments and organisations plan services and infrastructure for communities across the country.

Census information contributes to decisions involving schools, healthcare, transport, housing, infrastructure and community services. The data also helps provide a clearer picture of population changes across Australian states, territories, cities, regional communities and smaller local areas.

Most households have already received instructions explaining how to complete the Census. The ABS says people can complete the Census online, while paper forms are also available for people who need or prefer them. ABS staff are working in communities across Australia to help ensure people are included in the national count.

Everyone who is in Australia on Census Night generally needs to be included on a Census form, subject to limited exceptions. This includes people staying at different types of accommodation and visitors who are in Australia on the night. The Census is compulsory under Australian law, and the ABS provides official information explaining participation requirements and how people should complete their forms.

The 2026 Census also includes some changes to the information collected. For the first time, people aged 16 and over will be asked questions relating to gender and sexual orientation, alongside questions covering areas such as age, education, employment, income, health, ancestry, birthplace, religion and housing.

Privacy is another important part of the Census. The ABS says information supplied through the Census is protected by Australian legislation and is kept confidential. Personal information is handled under strict privacy and secrecy requirements, with identifying information removed from the Census data early in the processing process.

For people who have not yet completed their Census, the ABS is continuing to provide assistance. The organisation says households can still complete their Census even if they have not received their instructions, with support available through official Census channels.

The 2026 Census is an important national event because its results will help create a detailed picture of Australia and how its communities are changing. Census information will eventually support planning and research across the country, helping governments and organisations understand where services and infrastructure may be needed in the future.

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