QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Dr MULINO (Fraser—Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services) (14:56): I thank the member for Barton for her question. She understands the importance of evidence based policy and decision-making. The census is one of the most important snapshots that we take of our country.
Every five years it tells us who we are, where we live and how Australia is changing. This is important, because governments, business and community organisations use census data to make decisions that affect Australians every single day. It helps us understand where new schools are needed, where our hospitals and health services need to grow, where transport infrastructure should be built and what services communities will need into the future, and, for the researchers and policymakers, it gives us a detailed picture of Australia that simply cannot be obtained anywhere else.
The value of the census depends on all Australians taking part. This year, for the first time, Australians have been able to subscribe through myGov to receive census updates and access an online form. Those who did not subscribe through myGov will still receive instructions in their letterbox, with options to complete the census online or by post.
Each census takes years of planning, consultation, testing, community engagement and field work. That effort is necessary, because the census works best when everyone is counted. The Australian Bureau of Statistics works with communities across the country, including people who can be harder to reach.
Every person counted helps build a clearer picture of our nation, and that's why participation in the census is so important: because, whether you live in a capital city, a regional town or a remote community, your circumstances should be reflected in our great national picture. Accurate and complete information is vital, which is why it is so important to answer the questions thoughtfully and accurately.
When I fill it out tonight, I will have to think very carefully about the following question: 'What are the main goods and services provided by your employer's business?' I'm still deciding whether I should answer 'a fairer property market', 'providing five tax cuts in three different ways' or 'strengthening Medicare'. But I'll let the House know which I decide on later.
Opposition members interjecting— The SPEAKER: Order! Dr MULINO: Can I say, Speaker: the opposition's very excited by the census. It's good to see!
The census will showcase the diversity of our great nation, in occupation, gender, religion, culture or country of origin. I am proud that our party and our side of parliament is broadly reflective of who we are in this country. It has been five years since the last census, and a lot has changed in that time.
Can I acknowledge the hard work, over a long period of time, of the assistant minister for Treasury, who has worked for many months on this project and helped to deliver such an important thing. To conclude, the census is an important document for our nation, and I encourage everyone in our great country to complete it this evening.