Coming to our census

One of the few enjoyable pastimes insisted on by government is completing the personal response to the quinquennial national census. 

In 2016, I was able to fill out two forms: one while visiting the Isle of Man and later in that year, the Australian one. I was keen to let the Reiltys Ellan Vannin know that I was there on an important date. In fact I had to remind the hotel we were staying in to give me the form, but it encouraged them to hand it to other visitors. In this pandemic year, they don't have to bother. Nevertheless the Isle of Man does have a good track record in sharing the results of its census every 10 years.

Our national census is always of interest to genealogists. The import of some of the questions in this year's census, especially those where every possible answer is not given with the question, are scrutinised. The uptake of DNA testing in the last five years by those with a genealogical interest creates a quandary. Where the country of origin of our earliest migrating ancestors may not have been previously known, many of us are now more informed. Just a spit or a swab and some dollars reveal all.

While those of us who have been researching their family history for a long time won't be caught short for an answer, there may a noticeable change in the statistics. Although not granular in the Census questions, level of Aboriginality for example, may be better understood if a DNA test has been undertaken. But perhaps the change won't be statistically significant?  

The census instructions don't define 'ancestry' but it could be inferred from two prior questions about  the birthplaces of self and parents. If you and your parents were all born in Australia, doesn't that automatically make you Australian? Which leaves scope for acknowledging those ancestors who weren't born here no matter when they migrated to Australia. 

The wealth of knowledge, understanding of identity, and record of environmental influences stored in other countries' census results are hugely rewarding when shared. Thankfully, the same commitment to future genealogical research has been made in recent Australian censuses. It is an extraordinary  opportunity to show our place in society. Make sure to choose 'Yes' when answering Question 65.