Tonight, Tuesday August 10, 2021 is Census night. Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counts every person and household in Australia. It’s officially called the Census of Population and Housing.
The Census is the most comprehensive snapshot of the country and tells the story of how we are changing. It includes around 10 million households and over 25 million people. Census data tells us about the economic, social and cultural make-up of the country.
Governments and businesses use the information you give us to:
- make important decisions about transport, schools, health care, roads and buildings
- help plan local services for individuals, families and communities.
People often ask what the census is and why is it conducted. The short answer is it’s used to plan and provide 100s of money and resources to local communities based on their particular needs. For example, planning for in home services for older Australians.
Council on the Ageing (COTA)
Census data helps COTA advocate for Australia’s retirees
While historically retirees have owned their own home, Census data has shown the rate of home ownership among retirees is falling.
The peak body for older Australians, Council on the Ageing (COTA) conducted its State of the (Older) Nation Survey and findings supported the 2016 Census data on homeownership. The survey showed a growing trend for the 50-65 age group to still have mortgage debt. There was also an increase in the number of older renters.
COTA Chief Executive Ian Yates says this has implications on retirement income policies for older Australians.
“Of the people we spoke to, 68% thought their mortgage would be paid off in less than 10 years,” Mr Yates said.
“However, 15% of mortgagees said they would never pay off their mortgage in this time. About 5.2% of others said it would take longer than 20 years to settle their debt.
“Census data also showed us the number of older people renting has risen from 18% to 25% over the past 20 years.
“For this study, we looked at how a person’s job, income and housing security work together to determine a person’s economic security in later life. Our findings revealed that many people are doubly disadvantaged by a lack of secure housing and adequate income as they age.”
COTA used key data from the 2016 Census to support its findings like demographics, family make-up, income and housing situation.
Residents are asked to fill in the Census tonight or after, though referencing Tuesday night when answering questions. More information can be found at the website : https://www.census.abs.gov.au/
Verified Source : Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census information sheet.