Overview
The Census and Statistics Regulations 2026 came into force on 21 August 2026, replacing the Census and Statistics Regulation 2016. The new regulations are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation as F2026L01090.
The regulations are made under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and are administered by the Department of the Treasury.
What the regulations cover
The Census and Statistics Regulations 2026 cover the same subject matter as the previous 2016 instrument. The key areas are:
- What information can be collected in the Census - from people, households, private dwellings, and other dwellings
- What statistical information can be collected for publication
- Powers of entry to certain premises
- The fidelity and secrecy undertaking that Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) staff are required to sign
Repeal of the 2016 regulations
The Census and Statistics Regulation 2016 is repealed by Schedule 2 of the new instrument. Any legal documents or contracts that reference the 2016 regulations now refer to a repealed instrument.
Key actions
- If your business has been asked to participate in ABS surveys or Census collections, the rules governing that process are now the Census and Statistics Regulations 2026 (registered as F2026L01090). The full instrument is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01090.
- If ABS officers have entered or may enter your business premises under powers of entry, the governing rules are now in Part 4 of the 2026 regulations. The legislation page linked above contains the full text of those powers.
- If your legal documents or contracts reference the Census and Statistics Regulation 2016, those references now point to a repealed instrument. The current instrument is the Census and Statistics Regulations 2026.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.