The
four-yearly Defence Census is approaching when ADF permanent and
active reserve members as well as Defence APS personnel will be
asked to complete Census questionnaires. Here Census Manager Roger
Wainwright answers some of the commonly asked questions
When is Census Day?
Tuesday, March 18.
Why do we have a Census?
The Census is held to provide policy makers with an accurate demographic
profile of the Defence population including its composition, skills
and personal circumstances. Defence values its people and aims
to formulate policies that target their greatest areas of concern.
Participation in the Census allows all Defence personnel to contribute
to the decisions made in their work environment.
How has the Census benefited Defence in the past?
The information from past Censuses has been used extensively to
improve conditions of service and overall lifestyle of Defence
personnel. This includes the provision of childcare facilities
in many Defence establishments, and the procurement of housing
and other accommodation in regional areas.
The data is also used to compare life in the ADF with that in
the wider Australian community in identifying attractive and unattractive
localities, housing ownership and family income levels.
Which questionnaire should I complete?
There are separate questionnaires for permanent ADF members, active
reserve members and Defence APS. Reserve members who are on continuous
full-time service should complete the reserve questionnaire. A
Defence APS person who is also a reservist is asked to complete
both relevant questionnaires.
How will I get this questionnaire?
Permanent ADF members, members on CFTS and Defence APS personnel
will receive their questionnaires in the workplace through a nominated
Unit Census Coordinator (UCC). Reservists will receive their questionnaires
at their home address. Exceptions to this are reservists deployed
in East Timor or Butterworth and Army Regional Force Surveillance
Units who will receive their questionnaires through their units.
What if I don’t receive a questionnaire?
You should contact your UCC. If you don’t know who this is,
you should approach your unit or organisation administrative staff.
Is it compulsory to complete the questionnaire?
Unlike the national Census that is completed by all Australians,
the Defence Census is not compulsory. You are, however, strongly
encouraged to complete the questionnaire as the larger the response,
the more accurate will be the information provided to policy makers.
What about my privacy?
The protection of your privacy is guaranteed. The Census management
team has consulted with the Federal Privacy Commissioner and the
Census will be conducted in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988
and relevant Information Privacy Principles. An external consultant
will enter all data from the questionnaires and will then destroy
all questionnaires. No individual can be identified through the
data.
What if I am absent on Census Day?
Notify your UCC so that you can receive a questionnaire. In some
cases it will not be physically possible to complete the questionnaire
on Census Day due to operational deployment or other duty-related
reasons. The questionnaire should be completed as close to Census
Day as possible, reflecting your personal situation on March 18.
The last date for the return of questionnaires is April 18.
Will I have access to the results of the Census?
A series of reports will be made available on the Census web site
and in hard copy. This will include public reports. People requiring
specific Census information will be able to obtain this through
a procedure to be advised after the Census.
How can I obtain more information?
Visit the Census web site at http://defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/dpe/defencecensus2003
or on the Internet at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/defencecensus2003.
The web site includes a short PowerPoint presentation that can
be used by UCC, commanders and managers as well as an e-mail link
to the Census management team. Inquiries to (02) 6266 3268.
