Census night is Monday 11 August 2026. If you’re in Australia on that night, you need to fill it in. Here’s what’s new this year, what’s changed, and what you need to know before the form lands.
Key Details
Census date: Monday 11 August 2026
Who needs to fill it in: Everyone in Australia on census night, including visitors
How to complete it: Online (preferred) or paper form
Run by: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Is it compulsory? Yes. You can be fined for not completing it.
This is Australia’s 19th Census of Population and Housing. The last one was in 2021, and the data from this year’s census will shape government funding, services, and infrastructure planning for the next five years.
What’s New in 2026
The 2026 census has some significant changes. The ABS reviewed all 12 existing topics and updated 10 of them. Here’s what’s different:
Gender and Sexuality Questions
For the first time, the Australian census will ask about:
- Sex recorded at birth — a new question separate from gender
- Gender — expanded options now including non-binary
- Sexual orientation — an entirely new question
These additions follow extensive community consultation and testing. The data will help governments understand and plan services for LGBTQ+ communities across Australia.
Ancestry
You can now list up to four ancestries instead of the previous two. This gives a much better picture of Australia’s multicultural makeup, especially for people with mixed heritage who’ve always had to pick just two.
Health
The long-term health conditions section has been expanded to include liver disease and migraine. This adds to the existing list of conditions the census tracks, helping the government plan healthcare resources.
Religious Affiliation
The religion question has been updated in how it’s asked. The 2021 census saw “No religion” overtake Christianity for the first time, and the 2026 question is designed to capture religious affiliation more accurately.
How to Fill It In
Online: The ABS strongly prefers online completion. You’ll receive a letter in the mail with a unique code to access the online form. It takes about 15-20 minutes per person.
Paper: If you prefer a paper form, you can request one from the ABS. But online is faster and easier for most people.
Who fills it in: One person in each household completes the form for everyone who spent census night at that address. If you’re staying somewhere else on August 11 (visiting friends, staying at a hotel, camping), you get counted at that location.
Deadline: Census night is August 11, but you have a short window after that to complete it. The ABS will send reminders and eventually follow up if you haven’t responded.
Common Questions
What if I’m not home on census night?
You still need to be counted. If you’re away, the person completing the form at your usual address should include you. If you’re travelling or staying somewhere else, you’ll be counted at that location.
Is my data private?
Yes. The ABS is legally required to keep your individual data confidential. Only statistical summaries are published, never individual responses. Your data is protected under the Census and Statistics Act 1905.
Can I choose not to answer some questions?
Most questions are compulsory. The religion question is the main one you can leave blank without penalty. The new sexual orientation question’s compulsory status was part of the ABS consultation process.
What happens with the data?
Census data determines how billions of dollars in government funding are allocated across Australia. It affects planning for schools, hospitals, roads, public transport, aged care, and community services. Your suburb’s census data directly influences what services and infrastructure your area receives.
I’m a temporary visitor to Australia. Do I still fill it in?
Yes. Everyone in Australia on census night needs to be counted, including tourists, international students, and temporary visa holders.
Last updated: August 2026.
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