Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
- Every five years, the ABS undertakes the Census of Population and Housing to count every person and household in Australia.
- The Census is a snapshot of Australia and tells the story of how we are changing. It helps us understand what we need now, and into the future.
- In preparation for the new online Census, the ABS enhanced the Census Digital Service, reflecting its alignment with the Digital Service Standard.
- ABS partnered with Services Australia on a new online option for people to access the Census through myGov.
- The ABS anticipates 85% of people will now complete their Census online. Therefore, ABS needed to ensure its digital services are safe, secure, accessible and easy for people to use.
- The ABS undertook consultation and testing on designing the Census website and updated the online Census form to address the accessibility needs outlined by users.
- Before each Census, the ABS runs a large-scale test. Previously this Census Test helped ensure collection processes and IT systems are fit for purpose to deliver a positive, safe and secure Census experience that is easy to complete.
Background
The Census is the largest data collection in Australia. Census data informs planning for schools, health care, transport and infrastructure. It's also used to help plan local services for individuals, families and communities.
The ABS supports the collection of high-quality Census data by ensuring the online form is easy to complete and that users can access help and support through the Census website.
This case study is based on a real digital service and shows how the ABS has applied and embedded the Digital Service Standard in preparation for the new online Census in myGov.
Criteria 1: Have a clear intent
As Census participation moves increasingly online, the ABS is adopting a digital first approach to provide a safe, secure, accessible and easy Census experience for users. Paper forms will be available for those who need them.
Criteria 2: Know your user
The ABS is taking a user-centred design approach to all interactions with the public. Research, development, and testing of how the public will interact with the Census will help the ABS adapt to meet user needs and address barriers to participation.
Criteria 3: Leave no one behind
The ABS has measures in place to ensure an inclusive Census, including: a WCAG compliant website with information to help complete the Census, in-language support (including Auslan), access to paper forms and partnerships with Translating and Interpreting Service and the National Relay Service.
Criteria 4: Connect services
myGov is a secure and trusted way for Australians to access government services online, all in one place. The new option to subscribe to access the Census through myGov will make it easy for people to get important Census updates through a familiar and trusted channel. myGov is just one way to access the Census. If you don’t subscribe to access the Census through myGov, you will instead receive a letter in the mail with instructions on how to complete the Census online.
Criteria 5: Build trust in design
The 2026 Census is taking a ‘Privacy by design’ and ‘Security by design’ approach. When setting up new systems and processes, the ABS ensures that good privacy and security practices are built into design specifications, while supporting access across online and paper-based channels.
Criteria 6: Don’t reinvent the wheel
The ABS previously rebuilt the digital service, providing a smooth, secure and easy user experience. For the new myGov option, elements of the original digital service will be re-used and optimised to deliver a secure and contemporary user experience.
Criteria 7: Do no harm
Protecting peoples’ privacy and keeping information secure is a key part of how the ABS designs the Census. ABS will not release personal information in a way that can identify a person, household or business. This includes to other government agencies.
Criteria 8: Innovate with purpose
The Census continues to innovate with the addition of myGov as a new option to access the Census. This supports the Australian Government’s commitment to make myGov a primary ‘front door’ for accessing online government services. If you subscribe through myGov, you will get a link to the online form sent to your myGov inbox when it’s time to complete the Census.
Criteria 9: Monitor your service
The ABS has developed dashboards to monitor real-time performance of the Census online form, as well as provide an opportunity for people to provide feedback in the online form to inform the next Census.
Criteria 10: Keep it relevant
The ABS undertakes a major test with the public prior to each Census. The insights gained from user behaviour during Census Tests helps to inform and improve the digital services of the Census.