Make your voice heard in the 2011 Census, Crook

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 04-August-2011

With less than a week until the 2011 Census, Nationals WA Federal Member for O’Connor Tony Crook MP has encouraged regional communities to ensure they make their voice heard next week.

“Tuesday, August 9 is Census night right across Australia,” Mr Crook said

“The statistics gathered in the Census are utilised at all levels of Government for planning purposes, including the allocation of funding for infrastructure and community services.”

Mr Crook said regional Western Australia had the opportunity in the Census to present a clear and accurate picture to the Federal Government.

“It is particularly important that regional WA is accurately represented in the 2011 Census, as this will allow the Federal Government to determine where funding is allocated in coming years.”

Mr Crook said data gained from the 2006 Census was used to allocate around $45 billion worth of funding across Australia.

Mr Crook said local governments, small businesses and community organisations also used Census data in their planning.

Mr Crook said the 2011 Census could be filled out online via the e-Census or by filling out the Census forms that would be delivered to all homes.

“This is the second time the e-Census has been offered, and around 30 per cent of Australians are expected to utilise the e-Census to take part in the 2011 Census,” Mr Crook said.

“The e-Census is a fast, easy and secure alternative to the traditional paper form, and online assistance is available.”

Mr Crook said the Census was also an important historical tool.

“The Census creates a snapshot of who we are as a nation.”

The 2011 Census marks 100 years of Census taking in Australia.

Mr Crook said past Census statistics revealed some interesting facts about Australia:

·         The 2006 Census recorded that 400 different languages were spoken in homes throughout Australia.
·         70 per cent of the population of the Northern Territory were male in the 1933 Census.
·         In 1966, 36 people listed their occupation as Whalers and 619 people said they worked as Oyster Farmers.

Mr Crook said any residents with questions regarding the census should contact the Census Inquiry Line on 1300 338 776 or visit www.abs.gov.au/census.

The e-Census can be filled out online at www.census.gov.au

See this article on the member's website