Date Time 2021 Census ready to operate in COVID safe way: Australia The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is ready to deliver a COVID safe and responsive 2021 Census. Most people will complete the Census online with no contact from the ABS and all Census staff will operate under a COVID safe plan. The plan follows guidelines from federal, state and territory governments to keep the community safe. Andrew Henderson, Census Executive Director and National Spokesperson said, “in the lead up to Census, we’ve undertaken extensive planning about how we engage with the community and ensure the safety of our staff during the pandemic.