Census day is here - this is what you need to know
Updated . First published
Today is the deadline for the 2026 census, and this is what Australians need to know if they’re still unsure about when and how they must complete the compulsory national survey.
Not knowing the rules could lead some to commit a costly blunder by failing to fill out the census, or providing false information.
Census night falls on Tuesday, August 11 and most households will complete the census online. The Age
The census is mandatory and anyone in Australia who does not fill it out before the end of the day risks being fined up to $364 daily.
You still have to do the census if you are travelling or away from home on census night, but Australians who are overseas today don’t need to complete it.
Fortunately for the forgetful among us, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) won’t fine you immediately.
It will first contact you with a reminder to fill out the census, followed by a formal legal direction to complete it if you do not comply.
Anyone who fails to do it after being issued a formal legal instruction is committing an offence under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and can be fined.
Based on the maximum penalty amount of $364 per day, Aussies who consistently refuse to complete the census can face up to $2548 in fines per week.
Lying on the census can also get you fined.
Knowingly providing false or misleading information on the national survey is an offence and may see you slapped with a fine of up to $3640.
The 2026 census contains up to 66 questions across nine topics, including personal details, cultural background, and income and work.
New questions about gender and sexual orientation have also been introduced for individuals over the age of 16.
The ABS is taking a digital-first approach this year, meaning most people in Australia will be filling out the survey online.
Paper forms will still be provided to households in some areas (such as regional and remote locations) and to any which requests them.
Census staff will also visit households to support people to understand and complete the form in some areas.
Recently, the Department of Home Affairs had to debunk viral social media claims that fake Home Affairs officials were going door-to-door asking for money and personal data ahead of the census.
Viral posts claim people are impersonating officials from the Department of Home Affairs going door-to-door to request personal information or money. Facebook
The department said it had no reports of this actually happening to anyone.
Authorities are still urging everyone to remain alert, never provide financial details or personal documents to anyone at your door, and always demand identification.
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