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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National

'It's critically important': Final deadline to submit 2021 Census looming

People who have not yet filled in the 2021 Census need to submit their online forms by 3pm on Friday.

It's your last chance to contribute to the snapshot of the nation.

Australian Statistician Dr David Gruen said the website and online form that had been available since July 28 was closing on Friday.

Online forms can be submitted until 3pm on Friday.

"If you don't have your Census letter, you can go online and complete today. Select the 'Get a Census Number' option," Dr Gruen said.

As of September 28, more than 10 million households have completed the 2021 Census.

"This a great result. Thank you to the millions of people across Australia who have completed the Census," Dr Gruen said.

"It's critically important that everyone participates and well over 90 per cent have already done so.

"But no community is too small to count, we want to make sure everyone is represented."

The Census is compulsory under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and fines can apply if someone refuses to complete their Census.

Under the Census and Statistics Act 1905, the Australian Statistician can issue you a notice of direction, which directs you in writing to complete the Census.

The notice explains that if you don't complete the Census, you can be prosecuted and fined up to $222 a day.

The ABS will publish a final response rate for the 2021 Census with the first release of Census data in June 2022.

Census data is used to inform important decisions about transport, schools, health care, infrastructure and business at the community and national level.

Those who haven't yet submitted their 2021 Census form are running out of time. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong
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