Census & Secure Apartment Buildings: A Strata Guide

Australia’s next Census will take place on Tuesday 11 August 2026, but for many strata apartment buildings the challenge extends beyond simply completing the form. Secure access arrangements, resident communication and visitor management all play an important role in ensuring authorised Census officers can carry out their work while maintaining the security and privacy of residents.

Conducted every five years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Census provides a snapshot of Australia’s population and housing. The information collected helps governments, businesses and community organisations make informed decisions about infrastructure, transport, healthcare, education and local services.

Participation in the Census is compulsory for people in Australia on Census night, and accurate participation helps ensure communities receive the funding and services they need.

Many strata schemes have security measures designed to protect residents and their property. These may include:

• Secure entrances and intercom systems
• Access-controlled lobbies
• Restricted floor access
• On-site building management

While these security measures are essential, they can create additional challenges for authorised Census field staff when delivering Census materials or following up with households that have not yet responded.

The ABS places particular emphasis on Secure Apartment Buildings (SABs), buildings with more than 20 private dwellings that are not accessible to the general public. Early coordination with building managers helps ensure Census staff can access these buildings safely and efficiently while minimising disruption for residents.

As Census night approaches, the ABS may contact strata and building managers to discuss arrangements for accessing secure apartment buildings. Planning ahead and communicating these arrangements with residents can help ensure the Census runs smoothly while maintaining building security.

At Netstrata, we recommend informing residents that authorised ABS representatives may require access to the building for Census-related activities and keeping residents informed about any building-specific arrangements leading up to Census night.

Most households will receive Census instructions by mail or letterbox delivery. In some secure apartment buildings, authorised ABS field officers may need access to common property to deliver Census materials or follow up with households that have not yet responded. Residents should always ask to see official identification before granting access.

Before Census night, consider:

• Informing residents that authorised ABS representatives may attend the building.
• Reviewing existing visitor access procedures.
• Ensuring concierge or building staff understand how to verify official identification.
• Confirming how authorised Census representatives will be granted access where required.

Residents and building staff should always verify the identity of anyone seeking access to the building. Authorised Census workers carry official identification and should be able to explain the purpose of their visit. Residents should never grant access to individuals who cannot provide appropriate identification.

While supporting Census activities is important, owners corporations and strata managers should continue to respect resident privacy. Personal resident information should not be provided to third parties unless authorised by law. Census participation remains the responsibility of individual households, and personal information should be handled in accordance with privacy obligations.

If you have any questions about Census arrangements for your building, speak with your Netstrata Strata Manager or contact the ABS at census.special.operations@abs.gov.au or on 1800 591 878.