Completing the Census Test where you are

The Census Test allows everyone in the selected areas to complete their form, no matter where they live or their living situation.

During the Census Test, field staff may visit places like:

• retirement villages
• aged care facilities
• boarding houses
• hospitals
• hotels
• caravan parks
• camping grounds.

This makes sure as many people as possible are counted. 

If you’re asked to complete the Census Test, please do so. This helps us test our processes.

If you’re staying in a caravan park or camping ground in one of the selected areas, you’ll be asked to complete the Census Test. A paper form and Reply Paid envelope will be provided.

You can complete your Census Test separately from other people you're travelling with.  

Tips on responding to questions

• Enter the detailed address of the caravan or tent.
• Include site number, lot number, cabin number, campsite number, park name and street address.
• If someone is completing the Census Test at your usual address, you’ll need to be marked as ‘away’ but usually living at the dwelling.
• If you don't have a usual address, enter ‘NONE’ in the suburb field for the ‘where does the person usually live?’ question.

If you’re staying in hotel, motel or other holiday accommodation in one of the selected areas, you’ll be asked to complete the Census Test. Staff will give Census Test forms to all guests and collect the completed forms.

You can complete your Census Test separately from other people you're travelling with.   

Tips on responding to questions

• Enter the detailed address of the hotel, motel or other holiday accommodation.
• If someone is completing the Census Test at your usual address, you’ll need to be marked as ‘away’ but usually living at the dwelling.

Prefer to complete online

You can still complete the Census Test online wherever you can access the internet. 

Find more information about completing your Census Test online.

If you're in one of the selected Census Test areas, Census field staff will bring a paper form and Reply Paid envelope to your retirement village or housing estate. 

If you prefer to complete online, use the instructions on the paper form to log in and complete your Census Test.

If you need help, you can ask a family member, friend, or trusted person to assist you.

If you’re asked to complete a Census Test while in a hospital or care facility, please do so. This helps us test our processes.

Census Test materials are being delivered to all hospitals and assisted living facilities in the selected areas. This ensures patients and residents of these facilities can complete the Census Test. 

If you need help, you can ask a family member, friend, or trusted person to assist you.

Completed forms will be collected by Census field staff.

If someone will be at your usual address, they should mark you as away on their Census Test form.

If you're in one of the selected Census Test areas and live in a secure apartment complex, you'll get instructions on how to complete the Census Test. 

Some apartments will be asked to complete the Census Test online, while others will get a paper form.

Census field staff will talk to your building management to arrange access and discuss the process. 

If you’re on a working holiday or working at a holiday location in one of the selected areas, you should still complete the Census Test. 

If you’re working a night shift on Census Test night and going home when your shift is finished, you should be counted at your usual address. 

Census staff will be running the Test in communities in and around Katherine in June and July 2025. They’ll ask the Census Test questions and write down your answers on the form. Afterwards, they'll send completed Census Test forms safely back to us. 

If you live in a group or share house in one of the selected areas, you'll need to include everyone who will be at home on Census Test night. 

If you want to fill in your Census Test privately, you can complete it separately from your household.

If you’re using a shared computer, make sure you log out and close your browser when you finish your Census Test session.

If you’re staying in another household that was selected for the Census Test, make sure you’re included. 

Instructions will be provided on how to complete the Census Test. 

If you want to fill in your Census Test privately, you can complete it separately from your household.

If you’re using a shared computer, make sure you log out and close your browser when you finish your Census Test session.

If you’re sleeping rough or staying in short-term accommodation, such as a homelessness shelter in one of the selected areas, you don't need to complete the Census Test. Full support will be in place for the 2026 Census to make sure everyone experiencing homelessness can take part.

If you’re temporarily staying with family or friends, or if a homelessness service has arranged temporary accommodation for you, such as a motel, you might be asked to complete the Census Test.