Australia’s census is nine days away and completing it is compulsory by law

Every person in Australia on the night of 11 August must be counted by law. Non-completion can attract a fine. Census instructions have already been delivered to households.

In a nutshell: The 2026 Census of Population and Housing takes place on Tuesday 11 August, conducted by the ABS. It is compulsory for all Australians and for visitors, international students, and temporary residents present that night. Household instructions arrived from late July. The 2026 form adds new questions on sexual orientation and gender (for those 16 and over) and expands ancestry options from two to four. Data shapes hospital, school and infrastructure funding allocations.