ABS - 2026 Census

Question

It's understood that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) commenced considering potential changes to the content and topics for the 2026 Census in late 2023. 1. On what date did the ABS finalise the scope for the 2026 Census? 2. Has the ABS been directed to continue the existing Census question on ADF service for the 2026 and future censuses? 3. In relation to the Census being used to collect additional information regarding ex-members of the ADF: a. What meetings did the ABS attend on the topic (with whom and when)? b. Was a revised scope drafted? c. If so, is that publicly available? d. What public testing will it be subjected to? 4. Has the ABS included an additional question in the 2026 Census covering the year of separation for ex-serving members? 5. If so, was any testing required to include this question on the 2026 Census? 6. Will this be included as a standard question in future censuses?

Answer

See attached response.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• SQ26-000226 ABS - 2026 Census.pdf (opens in a new tab)