,Instructions in mail for census online
![WA census director David Waymouth is expecting around 65 per cent of households to complete the 2016 Census online.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/YA-114510/57a2aa1713769_b88207463z.1_20160804102907_000_gb4ksuv0.1_1-1bq5agn.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
With the 2016 Census only days away, households throughout the Great Southern should be receiving a letter outlining the procedure to complete the nationwide research survey on August 9.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will analyse data from nearly 10 million dwellings and 24 million people across the nation, and is hoping to receive about 65 per cent of responses online.
WA census director David Waymouth was in Albany this week and said the delivery of the letters represented a new era.
“Residents in Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury, Albany, Geraldton and Kalgoorie will receive the census instructional letters by mail,” he said
“The remainder of those living in WA regional townships can expect to be delivered a personalised census paper form by a field officer.
“People living in remote areas, including in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, will receive a visit by census officers working in mobile teams.”
Mr Waymouth said the last census produced about one-third of responses online but he was hopeful of a significant increase for this year, which is expected to save more than $100 million.
“Excitingly, more than 65 per cent of households, or 15 million people, are expected to complete the census online,” he said.
“We are a digital nation and it’s important we move with the times. You can complete the census anywhere you have access to the internet, whether it’s on a laptop, tablet or phone.”
Mr Waymouth said there was still the option to complete the census in paper form.
“If you’re unable to access the internet or would prefer to fill out a paper form, simply call our dedicated paper form request service and one will arrive in your letterbox in a couple of days.”
The paper form request service can be contacted on 1300 820 275. For more information, head to www.census.abs.gov.au.
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