CANBERRA: The Australian Bureau of Statistics, or Stats, has set the data for Australia’s next census: August 10 next year.
And there are to be some changes. The ABS says Aussies will be asked new questions on health conditions, and Australian Defence Force service – though what comments non-service people will make on ADF matters is open to question.
Questions on Internet access in households will no longer be asked, Stats says, “given increased mobile Internet usage on personal devices outside the home”.
Stats says that these are “the first significant changes to the information collected in the census since 2006”.
It adds that the changes will allow the census to collect data on long-term health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes – there’s no mention of Covid-19 problems – as well as providing information on health policies and planning for community services.
