The 2026 Census will shape Australia’s understanding of homelessness and housing need for years to come. It provides the country’s most comprehensive source of data on homelessness and informs housing policy, planning and investment at every level of government.
An accurate count is especially important because people experiencing homelessness are among those most likely to be missed.
Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026. Face-to-face interviews with people who are sleeping rough will happen from 10 – 16 August.
This page brings together information, resources and updates to help the sector prepare for the 2026 Census and support an accurate and meaningful count.
ABS Information Session – Counting Homelessness in the 2026 Census
Join ACT Shelter and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for a free online information session exploring:
- how homelessness is estimated in the Census
- why Census homelessness data matter
- how organisations can support an accurate Census count
- how the ABS is working in partnership with the sector
- live questions and answers with the ABS.
Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Time: 12:30–1:30 pm (AEST)
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams