Census 2026: Staff and Patient Information

What happens if you are in hospital on Census Night? 

The Census is on Tuesday 11 August 2026.

If you are staying in a hospital overnight on Census night, you will need to complete a Census form.  

Hospital staff will give you a Census form and collect it the next day. The completed forms will be returned to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.  

If you need help completing your form, you can ask a family member, friend, or someone you trust.  Hospital staff cannot help you fill in your Census form.     

If you are staying in hospital with a family member or loved one, you will be counted as a visitor. You will also need to complete a Census form at the hospital. 

To find out more about the Census, visit https://info.census.abs.gov.au/ or call the Census Contact Centre on 1800 181 227 (open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).