The Hon Andrew Leigh MP
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury
E&OE TRANSCRIPT
RADIO INTERVIEW
4CA RADIO CAIRNS, BREAKFAST WITH MURRAY JONES
TUESDAY, 11 AUGUST 2026
SUBJECTS: 2026 Census
MURRAY JONES: Let's talk to the Assistant Minister responsible for the Census. Andrew Leigh joins me this morning. Good morning Andrew, how are you today?
ANDREW LEIGH: Good morning Murray, great to be with you.
MURRAY JONES: Thank you for your time. I'm sure you're a busy lad today. You've got a bit on the plate, hey?
ANDREW LEIGH: Absolutely. Census day is an exciting moment for anyone close to it and I've been working with the Australian Bureau of Statistics over the last couple of years as they've done the planning leading up to our five-yearly Census. A really important chance to get a snapshot of us as a nation. It informs health policy, it ensures that states get their fair share of GST funding, sorts out where the federal electorate boundaries might be redrawn and allows us to look at things like long-term health conditions and infrastructure. So, it really is an important Census to fill out, not just for your own household, but for the good of your whole community.
MURRAY JONES: And look, you know, the fact that it's gone online has made it a lot easier for people actually doing the Census. But I should imagine, you know, for the ABS, of course, getting all this information, collating it, doing it online is certainly a good way, but maybe not for everyone, though?
ANDREW LEIGH: That's right. So, about 85 per cent of Australians will complete the Census online this time round – up from 80 per cent last time. There's still a group of people that will use paper forms. The ABS has large print forms and braille forms available as well, and they've targeted that on groups who are known to have used the paper form last time around. They've got special processes for tracking rough sleepers, or people doing a Census in prisons and aged care facilities. So, they're very experienced in terms of ensuring that they capture the whole nation.
MURRAY JONES: Look, one thing that was interesting that came up for us when we completed it just a few days ago – the old sex question. And of course, you know, what were you born as: male or female or other? And how do you identify? I guess there's always going to be some controversial aspects of the Census and some people think that there's something maybe underhanded happening here, but of course, it is all about information for the country moving forward and for planning, Andrew?
ANDREW LEIGH: That's right. So, the questions about the LGBTQ+ population will be asked in other countries like Canada. It's simply about getting a better snapshot of the population that is vulnerable, has even bigger health challenges and understanding where to locate facilities. This is a question that is only asked of over 16s, and one of the options is prefer not to answer. So, people can tick that box if they would prefer not to answer the questions around sexuality.
MURRAY JONES: Yeah. Because I know that's always one that, you know, is going to get a few people up in arms – a tiny minority. But, yeah, I know that's, you know, the atmosphere that we work in these days. Now, when it comes to actually getting the information back out there. Because, you know, I know from working in the media, we rely on this information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. We're often quoting this information. So, I should imagine the process of getting that information out there, disseminating it, will happen a lot quicker in that it's actually happening a lot online these days?
ANDREW LEIGH: That's right. So, the Australian Bureau of Statistics is expecting to have some of the first release results out in June next year. The time taken for that is partly as a result of the reminder period and the closure phase that they'll go through as they look to get Census responses from absolutely everyone and then collating that data. But as you say, it does become easier the more of us do it online. Either way you do it, the information is protected to a very high degree using the best encryption technology and so that whatever you say in the Census is absolutely secure.
MURRAY JONES: Now it is compulsory. So, even for people that are here on holidays, they still have a requirement to make sure that wherever they are tonight, to actually fill out the Census details?
ANDREW LEIGH: That's right. Citizenship carries rights and responsibilities and one of the responsibilities is to do the Census every five years. It's not particularly onerous, it might prompt some interesting conversations in your household. And the Australian Bureau of Statistics works very hard with households to make sure that it is as straightforward as possible for people to do the Census. If anyone needs support, you can go to census.gov.au or phone the Census Contact Centre on 1800 181 227.
MURRAY JONES: And coming back to, I guess the need to get this information together for the benefit of everyone in the country, it actually focuses on where you are tonight and often for people being at home. And I guess, it looks like the number of people living in households in Australia is actually starting to drop. Only a small drop in the last, you know, since the last we had a Census. But I guess coming back to housing, one of the key issues we've got in this country these days, and I guess the Census, and that's the reason why it's designed this way, looking at housing, and I guess it's one of the things that governments, local, state and of course federal governments use moving forward when it comes to this critical issue of housing?
ANDREW LEIGH: Absolutely. If a local council is figuring out where to put a bus routes, if a federal government's working out where to fund a housing project, then they'll look to Census data. This allows us to create targeted local profiles. And no Australian Bureau of Statistics survey gives you the rich local granular data that you get out of the Census. It really is critical in terms of doing job forecasts, housing densities, transport corridors. It helps schools figure out where to put their infrastructure and hospitals figure out where to expand. So, it's a really valuable national resource used by governments, non-profits and business in order to make sure we've got a healthier, happier and more productive Australia.
MURRAY JONES: And what I would say to the people that think, ‘Oh, big brother is watching’ and they're not going to be a part of it, I think you're robbing yourself when it comes to, you know, moving forward for the services in your particular area as well. Great to talk to you this morning. It is an important day for Australia, don't forget, it needs to be sorted out tonight. The Assistant Minister responsible for the Census, Andrew Leigh it’s been great to talk to you. Thank you so much for your time this morning.
ANDREW LEIGH: Thanks so much Murray, terrific to chat.
MURRAY JONES: We'll catch up soon. Cheers!
ENDS