About the Census Test

Information about the areas that are included in the Census Test and who needs to be included.

Complete your Census

Before each Census, it’s important to test how we'll run it. The Census Test helps ensure our processes work well and that the form captures the right information, in the right way. 

Census Test night was Tuesday 5 August 2025, and there’s still time to complete.

In July, selected households got instructions on how to take part in the Census Test.  

For the first time, we partnered with Services Australia on a new option to access and complete the Census through myGov.

All myGov users had the option to subscribe to Census Test updates through myGov in July 2025. 

The Census Test is voluntary. It’s important that everyone selected participates to ensure the Census Test reflects a broad cross-section of people and communities in Australia. 

Your participation will help us improve the Census process so our next Census in 2026 is easier to complete and produces high quality statistics.

Areas included in the Census Test

The Census Test includes 60,000 households from selected areas in:

  • New South Wales
    • Coonamble and surrounds
    • Gilgandra and surrounds
  • Northern Territory
    • Katherine surrounds
  • Queensland
    • Gladstone
    • Rockhampton
    • Yeppoon
  • Victoria
    • Melbourne
  • Western Australia
    • Albany
    • Perth
    • The Wheatbelt region.

Census Test areas were chosen using past Census data to ensure we cover the diversity of Australia.  

This is to make sure that the Census Test represents the different responses we would see during the 2026 Census.   

Not all households in each area were asked to participate in the Census Test. If you live in the selected areas and didn’t get a letter or form from the ABS, there is nothing you need to do.

Local government areas included in the Census Test

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

Victoria

Western Australia

Who needs to do the Census Test

In July 2025, selected households got a letter or paper form with instructions on how to take part in the Census Test, and there is still time to complete. 

Some households were asked to complete the Census Test online and some got a paper form.

We’re testing our paper and online forms as part of the Census Test. If you got a paper form, we would appreciate you completing this form even if you would normally go online. This will help us make improvements for the 2026 Census. 

However, if you got instructions to complete online but would prefer a paper form, you can request one.

Census field staff ran the Test in communities in and around Katherine in June and July 2025. 

Not all households in each area are asked to participate in the Census Test. If you live in the selected areas and don’t get a letter or form from the ABS, there's nothing you need to do.