Australia · 11–15 August 2026

National census completed with over eight million forms received so far

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Probably worth doing something about

Every person in Australia on 11 August was legally required to complete a form. Non-completion carries fines of up to $364 per day. ABS field staff are now following up stragglers.

In a nutshell: Census night was 11 August. Over eight million completed forms were received by the morning of 12 August — roughly two-thirds of Australians. The 2026 Census added new questions on gender identity, sexual orientation and expanded ancestry options. Fines for non-completion begin with a formal written direction, escalating to $364 per day. Results will be released in stages from June 2027.

Spin Unspin

What they’re saying

The ABS is making a genuine point: undercounts in specific communities — especially Indigenous Australians — directly affect service-funding allocations.

Multicultural community groups are encouraging participation partly to ensure their communities receive proportionate government services.

ABS figures and legislative requirements are authoritative primary-source information.

Doing the Census | Census Information

When will the 2026 Census results be released? Here’s the ABS timeline

2026 Census Australia: Key dates, what’s included and why it matters

Do I care?

Complete online at abs.gov.au/census or call 1800 512 441. Non-completion after a formal direction risks a fine of up to $364 per day.

If you have not yet submitted, do so now — the fine clock has likely already started for directed non-completers.

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