All households in the NT are being urged to complete and submit their census forms in advance of Census night on Tuesday, August 11, the Australian Bureau of Statistics says, with daily fines of $364 issued for repeated noncompliance.

With less than a day left before Census night, the ABS reminded households that participation is mandatory for everyone in the country, including visitors and individuals on temporary visas.

Census national spokesperson Emily Walter said that while many households have already completed their Census, those who haven’t are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

“Most households should have now received a letter in their mailbox with instructions on how to complete the Census,” she said.

“If you know where you’ll be on Census night, you can complete your Census early. You don’t have to wait until Census night.”

Ms Walter said Census data helps create a comprehensive understanding of the needs of communities throughout Australia, stating that the gathered data plays a crucial role in guiding the planning of local services for individuals, families, and communities.

This year, individuals and households can complete the Census online or by using a paper form. It is expected that 85 per cent of forms completed will be inline this year.

The Census is necessary to provide vital data for all levels of governments to plan essential services such as hospitals, schools, and infrastructure and to ensure resources are allocated where they are most needed.

The $364 daily fines are issued if someone continues to fail to comply after being served a formal, written legal direction to complete the form. Providing false or misleading information can also result in a maximum fine of up to $3,640.

For those who need assistance, support options include Census field staff, phone and online services, information hubs in public areas, and translated materials.

The ABS has also been running “pop-up hubs” offering assistance for people to complete their forms, which will continue to run later this week in the NT and can be found here.

More information on the Census can be found at census.abs.gov.au.