Why is this useful for rural and remote people?

The range of data held by the ABS is vast, and is supplemented throughout the year with additional data about housing, economic activity, and other matters making this a valuable source of information for rural and remote people writing grant applications, submissions and other representations to government to address local needs.

The Census is, however, only complete if everyone fills out the Census every four years. Some rural, remote and Aboriginal people in particular do not complete the Census for a range of reasons. This means that the population of some towns is under-estimated, and the community will therefore receive fewer resources from government than the community deserves.

Rural and remote people need to develop local campaigns to make sure every person in a town completes the Census every 4 years to ensure the town gets the resources they need.