Census dodgers risk $364 daily fine

Households refusing to complete Australia’s mandatory census are risking daily fines of $364, as officials ramp up doorknocking visits to chase thousands of missing forms. Despite the threat of penalties, some Australians have openly bragged online about binning, burning and ignoring census notices, while others claim they’ve deliberately fobbed off field officers sent to follow up. More than 10 million households have already submitted their details, but thousands remain outstanding. Those who leave it incomplete for too long can face fines of $364 a day. The ABS said its priority is to “make sure everyone is counted” and stressed fines were “not something we’re aiming for”. MORE NEWS ‘Un-Australian’: The parking act dividing neighbours ‘Wow’: Star calls out ‘cooked’ Census detail Renter sparks outrage over Aussie flag ban Some people who claim they refused to complete the 2026 Census are admitting they are trying to avoid the obligation. Source: Jade Mccabe, Instagram Still, census field staff are now knocking on doors to follow up households that haven’t responded, and some people have boasted online about trying to avoid the process. One person wrote that their form was “in the...