Few who experienced it have probably forgotten this screen Nikki Todd
It’s the data the Census team at the Australian Bureau of Statistics aren’t so keen to see made public.
The ABS has refused to say how many people, if any, will be fined for not filling out the 2016 Census.
But while the ABS has refused to rule out pursuing fines in the future we have been able to establish none have been issued to date.
The most recent Census was one which was marred by controversy as the website where people were able to fill out the survey crashed, on the night of August 9, 2016, inconveniencing thousands of Australians.
However despite some experts saying the data would be useless in the wake of the bungle today we were told the average Australian is a 38-year-old married mum of two whose parents were both born in Australia.
Once the data was released the ABS was asked how many of the widely publicised $180 a day fines it has issued to people who either failed or refused to fill out the Census.
But when asked today whether or not anyone has been fined the ABS was tight lipped.
“The ABS continues to assess instances of non-response relating to the 2016 Census of Population and Housing to ensure that all individuals are provided the opportunity to complete their Census form. This is an ongoing process,” A spokesman said.
“The ABS has no power to issue fines or prosecute any individual.
“In some cases, the ABS may refer an individual’s case to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP).The decision to fine or prosecute any individual rests with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“Twenty per cent fewer people refused to complete the 2016 Census compared to the 2011 Census. A large number of the people that initially refused have now completed their Census form.
“This work continues and the ABS is unable to comment on individual matters relating any refusal to complete the Census.”
However while the ABS would not rule out issuing fines when the CDPP was contacted and asked if any cases had been referred to it, the response was clear.
“To date the ABS has not referred any matters to our Office relating to the last Census,” a spokesman said.
“The role of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is to prosecute offences against Commonwealth laws before the Courts. Any penalty imposed, including any fine is a matter for the Courts.”
A freedom of information request was filed with the ABS in an effort to establish what percentage of Australians filled out the Census and how many people could still face a fine.