The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is conducting the 2026 Census on Tuesday, 11 August, requiring every person in Australia—including residents of Norfolk Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Christmas Island—to be counted.This five-yearly population and housing survey includes up to 66 questions about ancestry, religion, sex at birth, and commuting patterns.The last census was held on 10 August 2021.ABS spokesperson Emily Walter emphasized the importance of participation, noting many Australians will complete the census for the first time.Residents can complete the form online or request a paper copy, with one person per household typically responsible.All individuals, including international visitors, students, and temporary visa holders, must be included.Field staff will assist those in remote areas or experiencing homelessness, with over 30,000 staff deployed.

The census is compulsory under the 1905 Census and Statistics Act, with penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to $364 per day for refusal and $3,640 for false information.Travelers within Australia on census night must report their location, while overseas residents are exempt.The ABS has provided multilingual support and translation services to ensure accessibility.