ANIC advises Muslims in Australia to complete the census.

Dear Community Members,

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatu-Allahi Wa Barakatuh,

On Tuesday 10 August 2021, the Australian Bureau of Statistics will conduct the largest ever national census in the organisation’s history in over 100 years.

The purpose of the census is to support and offer services to all Australians, including Australian Muslims. The results of the census influence decisions at many levels. These decisions, in turn, impact the services provided to communities based on their needs. For example, the census results are taken into consideration when decisions are made to allocate funds to schools, building projects, infrastructure, and research.

The census results showing the number of Muslims contributing to a healthy, diverse, and culturally rich Australia is a positive step for all Australians. According to the last 2016 census, Islam is the second largest religion in Australia after Christianity with over 604,000 Australians identifying as Muslims.

As part of our ongoing positive contribution to Australia, the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) advises Muslims in Australia to COMPLETE the census.

Also, we strongly recommend you indicate that your religion is ISLAM.

Please note that all Information on Census forms is protected by the secrecy provisions of the Census and Statistics Act 1905. Under the law census data is kept secure by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It therefore does not show information about a person, household or business that identifies them.

For further information, visit: https://www.census.abs.gov.au

By completing this census, you contribute to the advancement of Australia and its people and the future of Islam and Muslims in this nation.