THE Australian Bureau of Statistics has assured Wimmera people they can complete a paper-based version of this year’s national census.
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The bureau expects more than two thirds of Australians will complete the August 9 census online.
The issue generated discussion at a Horsham Rural City Council meeting last week, with some councillors worried about the expectation, and how elderly residents could access online services.
However a bureau spokesman said though this year’s census was digital-first, people could still complete a paper form.
“The purpose of the census is still to count everyone in Australia on census night – part of which means ensuring everyone is able to participate,” she said.
“We understand some people might not wish to complete it online or might not be able to.
“So although we hope to achieve a 65 per cent online census completion rate, the traditional paper form will still be available to anyone who needs it.
“They just need to call our dedicated paper form request service, available from August 1.
“We'll then post them a paper form and a reply paid envelope to return their census.”
The spokesman said people could call 1300 280 275 to request a form.
