The 2016 Census may be going digital for the first time, but the ABS is under fire this week with their phone lines overwhelmed by the demand for paper forms.
The move online had been billed as a win for taxpayers, saving over $100 million. Instead the Bureau was forced to add 300 extra phones lines to its 24-hour paper form request number.
A $180 a day fine is not helping sentiments.
So where did it all go wrong?
People prefer print
While ABS said it expected 65 per cent of people to complete the survey online, concerns over the compulsory keeping of names and addresses and storage of private information (see our story from last week) seem to have led many to request a paper form.
Its separate inquiry line has also struggled with the demand from people confused by the digital changes to the five-yearly survey.
Crossbenchers including Nick Xenophon and Andrew Wilkie have reported receiving complaints from a number of their constituents being unable to get through to the call centre.
Mr Xenophon has even called for the Census to be delayed, saying “Right now it seems to be headed for a debacle.” He said: “The unintended main statistic from this census might be the huge number of Australians who can’t complete it through no fault of their own.”
Heading for a “debacle”
The delays have added to the fears of older Australians waiting for paper forms or without online access that they will be slugged with the $180 fine handed out for every day you don’t complete it. Yes, that’s $180 for every day.
Seniors groups in particular have criticised the digital move for making it harder for the elderly to take part.
Paul Versteege, from the Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association, said: “We need as much information about older Australians as we can get if we want to make good policy choices in support of our rapidly ageing population. Ignoring the fact, as the ABS has done, that particularly the very elderly are not online, does not show a lot of respect for this section of the Australian community.”
#Censusfail
The Bureau itself has admitted they weren’t prepared to cope with the huge number of enquiries, with a statement on Tuesday apologising for “any inconvenience” caused by the “significant waiting times”.
They also advised callers to phone the inquiry line early in the morning or late at night to avoid the lengthy delays.
The ABS has made a public reassurance people who receive their form late won’t be fined, provided you have made arrangements to complete the Census. It will be interesting to see if they can deliver on that promise.
Countdown to August 9 – What you need to know
- Census night is Tuesday, August 9.
- You should have received a letter addressed “To the Resident” with information and a 12-digit login number that you will need to go online and complete the census. In some metro, rural and remote areas, you will be sent a paper form.
- You can request a paper form on the 24-hour request line on 1300 820 275.
- There is also a Census Inquiry Services line available from 8am to 8pm on 1300 214 531.
- People will be able to complete their form for up to two weeks after Census night.
- Household will also able to fill in the form online until September 23.
- The online form is available now for early returns.
