Supporting the 2026 Census: Why mandatory participation ensures accurate data for all Australians

Requiring every Australian to complete the 2026 Census is the only way to get data accurate enough to serve everyone fairly. The census is the foundation for how governments allocate funding for schools, hospitals, roads, and community services. Making it mandatory ensures high response rates, which means decisions are based on reality, not estimates. For marginalized groups like April’s, the new inclusive questions are a breakthrough. Being counted means being seen in policy — from health funding to anti-discrimination protections. The ABS provides extensive support, including online help and phone assistance, to remove barriers. While fines exist, they are rarely used for those who make a genuine effort. The alternative — a voluntary census — would produce unreliable data, leaving the most vulnerable Australians invisible. Mandatory participation is not about punishment; it is about ensuring every person is part of the national picture. The cost to individuals like April is real, but the payoff for their community is far greater.