澳大利亚将于8月11日进行2026年人口普查，这是一项对全体澳大利亚居民强制适用的调查，包括非澳大利亚公民[1]。澳大利亚统计局针对普查的多个常见误区进行了澄清。个人信息受《人口普查与统计法》保护，不会与警察、移民部门或其他政府部门共享[1]。其中，姓名可保留至多18个月，地址至多36个月[1]。
普查数据主要用于规划和资助公共服务，包括为学校、医院、图书馆和公共交通等机构提供支持[1]。统计局强调普查不是测试，个人可选择不回答敏感问题[1]。2021年普查吸引了超过2500万澳大利亚人参与[1]。为确保参与度，澳大利亚将动员约30,000名现场工作人员协助完成普查[1]。虽然问卷必须用英文完成，但相关信息已提供26种语言版本，传译服务覆盖150多种语言[1]。
Australia's Australian Bureau of Statistics has moved to clarify widespread misconceptions ahead of the nation's 2026 Census, scheduled for August 11 [1]. The Census is a mandatory survey covering all Australian residents, including non-citizens, and will be supported by approximately 30,000 field workers [1].
A central concern among the public involves data privacy and security. According to the Bureau, Census information is fully protected under the Census and Statistics Act and will not be shared with police, immigration authorities, or other government agencies [1]. Personal names may be retained for up to 18 months, while addresses can be kept for a maximum of 36 months [1]. The Census serves to fund public services including schools, hospitals, libraries, and public transport systems [1].
The Bureau has also addressed questions about participation requirements and accessibility. While Census questionnaires must be completed in English, supporting materials are available in 26 languages, and interpretation services cover more than 150 languages [1]. Notably, the Census is not a test, and individuals retain the right to decline answering sensitive questions [1]. The previous 2021 Census drew participation from more than 25 million Australians [1].