Fed: Statisticians nervous about first censue on-line

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2006
Fed: Statisticians nervous about first censue on-line

MELBOURNE, Aug 8 AAP - For the first time Australians will be able to log on to the
internet to complete their census forms and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
is hoping it runs smoothly.

National statistician Dennis Trewin is happy, but just a little nervous, about how
the count will go today.

Much of his tension is directed towards the eCensus, Australia's first online head
count and one of the first in the world.

"Even though we've tested and re-tested our system, and we've made sure it's very,
very secure, that is something in the back of my mind," Mr Trewin told AAP. "But we're
confident it will go according to plan."

Ninety-five years on from that first census back in 1911, collectors this year will
be told by SMS if someone has completed their form on the internet.

The 15th national census is the once-in-every-five-years chance to quiz Australians
on everything, from internet access in their home to religion.

More than 30,000 people have been handing out about 13 million ABS census forms over
the past fortnight.

"I think the awareness of the census is greater, and the recognition greater, than
any past census," Mr Trewin said.

"There's a lot of interest in Australia's demographic profile, in the ageing of the
population, the number of migrants coming into the country, and that's actually increased
awareness about the census."

The national headcount does far more than just work out how many people are sharing
the continent.

It helps state governments plan schools, determines where federal electorates are drawn
and whether more carparking is required in a particular area.

For those who opt not to use the internet, collectors will be out tomorrow to collect
completed forms.

Mr Trewin expected the first population estimate would be released next May, with a
group of major findings out the following month.

AAP sam/rs

KEYWORD: CENSUS DAYLEAD

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