What to do when travelling interstate or overseas on Census night
By Chris C., August 3 2016
Tuesday August 9 marks Census night in Australia – but what if not in Australia for the nationwide tally?
Travellers who find themselves overseas on the night of August 9, including Australian citizens, don't need to complete the Census.
That happy exemption comes out because the Census is snapshot of the country based on everybody who is in Australia on the night of August 9.
That also applies if you're flying out of Australia on Tuesday afternoon or evening.
However, if you’re travelling on an early morning flight on August 10 – even one with a 3am departure – you’ll still be in Australia on the night of August 9 and which means you have to participate in the Census.
If you'll still be in Australia but not at home – let's say a business trip or conference sees you staying in a hotel room that night – the 'accommodation provider' is obliged to provide you with a Census form to complete.
For more details, visit census.abs.gov.au or call the Census Inquiry Service on 1300 214 531.
Also read: Australian Government to axe 'frequent traveller' passports
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Nov 2014
Total posts 358
Sorry stupid question, is census compulsory? What happens if you don't do it?
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2563
It's compulsory, see the link provided at the bottom of the article for more information.
23 Sep 2015
Total posts 49
99.99% chance of nothing at all happening. It's been quoted widely (even by ABS staff) that less than 100 people have ever been fined for not completing one.
Air China - Phoenix Miles
20 Dec 2012
Total posts 105
Just do it now. Already submitted.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
Is it illegal to participate if you happen to be overseas that night?
I understand its now done online. Presumably through a VPN if the ABS deploy Geo blocking technology?
23 Sep 2015
Total posts 49
And if you happen to be travelling between point A and B (or no fixed address) within the country that night they've got no plan in place which is what I plan to do.
Haven't done the last 3, don't intend to do this one... (might consider if I could do it without providing name/address)
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