On the last Census night in 2006, the homeless population in Australia was recorded as being 105,000 people. However, the ABS has recognised that because homeless Australians face a unique set of circumstances they have been, in the past, undercounted. As such, special procedures have been put in place to help address the transient nature of homeless people and ensure they are included in the Census.
An accurate count of homeless people on Census night will enable government and community services organisations to improve and target homeless services.
Questions for the homeless population
It’s important that all people who have no usual permanent address write ‘None’ in the ‘Suburb/Locality’ box for the usual place of residence question on the Census form, regardless of where they are staying on Census night.
This is especially important for people who are staying in temporary accommodation, including emergency accommodation, refuges or hostels, caravan parks, motels, or even staying with family or ‘couch surfing’ at friends’ homes.
Help spread the message
You can help raise awareness of the Census and the importance of Australia’s homeless population writing ‘None’ in the ‘Suburb/Locality’ box for the usual place of residence question. This ABS page also features downloadable posters and brochures to help make sure that everyone is counted on Census night.
For more information call the Census Inquiry Service on 1300 338 776 between 8:30am to 8pm, seven days a week from until 5 September 2011.
The ABS has been promoting the Census using a social media campaign that’s already attracting a lot of attention – visit www.abs.gov.au/...
Further reading:
- Discussion Paper: Methodological Review of Counting the Homeless, 2006, released by the ABS on 31 March 2011 - it followed the Census – Beyond The Count conference.
- Listen to Sally Pritchard, Census Director in Queensland, answer questions on ABC 612.
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