Queenslanders urged to join The Count on Census night

Treasurer Curtis Pitt is urging all Queenslanders to make sure they’re counted in the nationwide Census on Tuesday 9 August.

Mr Pitt said the State Government was mounting a public information campaign starting this week urging all Queenslanders to ensure they’re counted in the Census. 

“The campaign includes TV, online, and radio ads featuring Sesame Street’s popular Count von Count to make sure everyone in our state knows that we’re counting on them to complete their Census,” he said. 

“Because federal funds are often distributed on a per capita basis, every Queenslander who is not counted on 9 August potentially costs our state an estimated $5,300,” Mr Pitt said. 

“In the 2011 Census the undercount of Queensland’s total population was estimated at 1.8% or around 77,200 people which is similar to the population of the Rockhampton Regional Council. 

“This could be worth around $400 million to Queensland if we don’t make everyone count. 

“An accurate Census count helps every level of government plan and deliver services and infrastructure where they are needed.” 

Mr Pitt said as Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships he was especially urging Indigenous Queenslanders to ensure they were counted in the Census. 

“In 2011, the Queensland undercount of people who identify as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin was 16.8 per cent or an estimated 31,400 people,” he said. 

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in health, education, employment and economic opportunity. 

“But to do that we need accurate Census data to help build a complete picture of our communities.” 

Mr Pitt said the Census on 9 August was run by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and aimed to count all people in Australia including close to two million Queensland dwellings and almost five million Queenslanders. 

“The information collected as part of the national Census provides a snapshot of Queensland’s people – where we live, what we do, and how we live,” he said. 

“Knowing how many people call Queensland home will help us get our fair share of federal government funding. 

“Understanding where Queenslanders live will make sure our infrastructure and services are developed where they are needed. 

“Queensland businesses, governments and communities use Census data to build a picture of our regions and communities and better respond to changes in our population. 

“The information is valuable in making informed planning decisions about housing, transport, education, industry, hospitals and the environment.” 

Mr Pitt said this year the ABS was planning for more than 65 per cent of households to complete their Census online. 

From 1 August, households will receive a letter from the ABS with a unique Census login, and instructions on how to complete the Census online. Paper forms will still be available to households that require them. 

For more information visit www.treasury.qld.gov.au/census   

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