1. 2016 Census of Population and Housing Presentation to Public Libraries Victoria Network Tuesday 22 March 2016 Lana Condie (Victorian Regional Management Unit, 2016 Census)

2. Why have a Census? Critical source of information for planning, particularly at the local level Only source of data that provides information on communities and groups within communities at a fine geographic level Heavily used by local governments and community organisations.

3. Australia’s Census The next Census will be conducted on 9 August 2016. It will be known as a “Digital First” Census The Census provides an important snapshot of Australia’s people and their housing It helps estimate Australia’s population, which is used to distribute government funds and plan services for the community, including housing, transport, education, industry, hospitals and the environment It is important that everyone participates on Census night in 2016. This will give us a full and accurate snapshot of the nation to help inform planning for the future The ABS needs the support of everyone in Australia to make the Census a success

4. What’s Happening for 2016? The ABS is preparing to count close to 10 million dwellings and approximately 24 million people on Census night We are expecting more than two thirds of Australia’s population (more than 15 million people) to complete the Census online A new delivery approach removes the need for Census Field Officers to visit every dwelling. Instead, approximately 80% of dwellings across Australia will, in the first instance, be mailed information which includes a unique login number for the online form The online form is designed to be used easily and securely on a variety of devices from smart phones to desktop computers In some areas of Australia it will still be necessary for a more traditional delivery approach to be used Paper forms will still be available for anyone who needs one, and it will be fast and easy to obtain It’s now fast, easy, secure, environmentally friendly and reduces the cost of the Census to the community

5. Key Dates 1 February 2016 – Area Supervisor recruitment begins 2 May 2016 – Field Officer recruitment begins 1 August 2016 – Delivery of instruction letters and forms begins 9 August 2016 – Census night Mid-2017 – The first results from the 2016 Census released.

6. Contact with libraries so far Individual libraries contacted to display posters promoting Area Supervisor positions Individual libraries contacted to discuss meeting rooms that may be available for Area Supervisor interviews and training.

7. Upcoming contact with libraries Agreement to display posters promoting Field Officer positions Individual libraries contacted to discuss meeting rooms that may be available for Field Officer interviews and training Agreement to display general promotional material about the Census (in some areas this includes materials directed at specific groups of people e.g. people experiencing homelessness) Provision of materials and contact numbers that might help patrons who are using library computers to complete Census.

8. Encouraging participation Local groups may choose to organise a ‘Fill in the form’ session to assist people fill out the Census, and may approach libraries to use the public computers There may be existing programs that could be used to encourage Census participation - happy to hear your thoughts here. Opportunities to take advantage of the ‘digital’ aspect – we would love to hear about these, too.

9. Only 140 Days to go! Thank you!