Warning to every Aussie over last resort $364-a-day census fine

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 01:47, 11 August 2026 | Updated: 01:56, 11 August 2026 Australians who refuse to complete the census could be slugged with hefty fines for every day they fail to comply. Millions of Australians will fill out the compulsory census on Tuesday night, but those who refuse to take part could face fines of $364 a day.  The daily penalty means someone fined for refusing to comply could theoretically rack up $2,548 in just one week, while deliberately lying on the census can attract a separate fine of up to $3,640. The ABS expects more than 85 per cent of households to complete the census online, but officials will chase up those who fail to lodge their forms. 'We're asking people to complete it as soon as possible,' census spokeswoman Emily Walter said. 'If you don't, we'll follow you up. We will either send a letter or a field officer to the dwelling to ask you to respond.' Those who continue to refuse will then be issued with a formal legal direction ordering them to complete the census. Millions of households across Australia will complete 66-question census on Tuesday night 'If we get to a point where someone refuses, we will issue a written notice by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to complete the form,' Ms Walter said. 'It's only after that point that people may be fined, but the fine is up to $364 a day.' Every household across Australia is required to participate, regardless of whether occupants are Australian citizens, permanent residents, international visitors or students, or people on temporary visas. Held every five years, the census gives the ABS a comprehensive snapshot of Australia's population, including changes in housing, population growth and demographics. However, the threat of fines is generally a last resort. The ABS issued no fines during the collection period for the 2021 census. This year's census also includes new questions covering sex, gender and sexual orientation, while the question on religion remains voluntary.