ABS moves to allay Census fine concerns

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has moved to allay concerns householders could be fined for not immediately completing their Census forms.

Bureau director of Census for WA, David Waymouth, told The Guardian householders would be given every opportunity to return forms or lodge online before referring cases to the Department of Public Prosecutions.

“To put things in perspective, in 2011 less than 100 people were fined,” he said.

Mr Waymouth said the bureau preferred householders to complete their forms as close as possible to Census night, because it was easier to remember who was at home, but the aim was to have the most forms returned by mid-September.

“It doesn’t have to be done tonight,” he said.

More than a million Australians had completed the Census by 1pm today and about 1200 forms were being lodged online each minute.

About one third of Australians lodged their Census electronically when online lodging was introduced in 2011.

Up to two thirds of Australians are expected to lodge online this time around.

Mr Waymouth said online lodging would save taxpayers about $100 million, was environmentally friendly and faster than paper processing.

In response to privacy concerns, he said the bureau had always required householders to provide their names and addresses.

People who prefer to lodge paper forms can still do so by requesting forms through email or contacting the bureau on 1300 214 531.