06/08/2026
๐ข If you're in Australia on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, you'll need to complete the national Census.
The 2026 Australian Census, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), is mandatory for everyone in Australia on Census nightโnot just citizens.
Here's what you need to know:
๐๏ธ Census Date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026
๐ฅ Who must complete it?
Everyone in Australia on Census night, including:
๐ฆ๐บ Australian citizens
๐ข Permanent residents
๐ International students
โ๏ธ Temporary visa holders
๐ Tourists visiting Australia
๐ป Most households will complete the Census online, while paper forms are available if required.
๐ The 2026 Census introduces new questions on gender (separate from s*x recorded at birth) and an optional question on s*xual orientation.
Why it matters for the Indian community ๐ฎ๐ณ
๐ Census data helps governments plan schools, hospitals, transport, language services, and other essential public services.
๐ฃ๏ธ Community organisations are encouraging Indian-Australians to accurately record their Indian ancestry and the languages spoken at homeโsuch as Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, Malayalam, Kannada, Gujarati, Bengali, and othersโto help ensure communities receive appropriate services in the future.
The Census is one of the most important ways Australia understands its changing population and plans for the years ahead.