SENATOR OFFERS COMPUTER SUPPORT FOR COMPLETING THE 2016 CENSUS - MEDIA RELEASE

Senator Lisa Singh is offering the community the use of a computer in her office to complete the 2016 Census. 


“The Turnbull Government has failed to provide enough support to the Australian Bureau of Statistics to ensure the census is accessible to all Australians.


However, I don’t want the Turnbull government’s failings to ruin our largest national information gathering exercise.


The Census is an important insight into Australia today. It plays a vital role in informing public policy and directing resources to lessen disadvantage. Labor strongly encourages all Australians to fully participate.


A computer is available in my office from Tuesday 9th until Friday 12th August for any Tasmanians who do not have internet or computer access at home. Contact my office on 6223 1135 to organise a time to come in to use a computer.


Local LINCs, libraries, Online Access Centres and some neighbourhood houses also provide free computer access. I urge all Tasmanians to take advantage of these services.


I have been assured by the ABS that Tasmanians will not be fined due to a lack of access to a computer or a delay in receiving a paper form. Census personnel will be working within the community in the coming weeks to assist all Tasmanians in fully participating.” Senator Singh said.


The Australian Bureau of Statistics has advised the following for Australians needing extra assistance to complete this year’s Census:


If you wish to request a paper Census form, please call 1300 820 275. 

Paper Census forms can also be requested online at https://www.census.abs.gov.au/eCensusWeb/help_form.jsp. You will require the 12 digit Census Login number that will have been mailed to you, and an email address.


If you wish to contact the ABS and speak to someone directly, you can call 1300 214 531 between 8AM and 8PM, 7 days a week. 


If you do not receive a paper Census form by Tuesday 9 August, don’t be concerned. You can complete the paper form with reference to the night of August 9 and post it back in those circumstances.



THURSDAY, 4 AUGUST 2016