AUSTRALIAN POPULATION

It is early evening, and the young woman is busy preparing dinner for the family after a very busy day, when the phone rings. On the line is a woman who identifies herself as being an employee of The Australian Bureau of Statistics. She is phoning to arrange a suitable time for her to call in connection with a government survey.

When the woman arrives for her appointment several days later, she brought with her, a letter from the A.B.S. which should have been sent to the family prior to her original phone call, but was not. Although designated in the letter as a “Monthly Population Survey”,( as shown on the photo-copy of the original letter), and cunningly worded to suggest that the interview was voluntary, the family was very firmly told that their Cooperation was anything but voluntary, and they would have to comply; they were asked questions regarding the number of persons over the age of fifteen who were employed and also residing at the home, and were told that this would be an ongoing survey once per month for the next eight months.

They were told that the whole of Australia has been divided into blocks, and that their block was the one that was to be targeted in this area.

Although the letter states that the interviewer will ask for your name to assist with the interview, but if you wish, the interview will be conducted anonymously”, it is a complete nonsense, because the letter-head already has clearly printed at the top, the identifying numbers of the block, followed by the householder’s identifying number written in by the interviewer.

Of course we have known for quite some years now, that this “block” or “grid” system was to be introduced, as has been documented by Barry Smith for New Zealand. It is believed by some commentators to be part of the system which will be used to identify and track each member of the community. A photocopy of the original letter from the A.B.S. is enclosed herewith the numbers (in the top left hand corner) identifying the block, plus the family identifying number deleted to protect their privacy. UPDATE... The family involved here was contacted today saying they no longer will be needed in the survey, as the Survey is to being moved to another town at present.

D. Dart,
Toowoomba. Q'ld.,
Independent Political Researcher... .

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QUEENSLAND

Dear Householder

I am writing to ask for your help. Your household has been selected in the Monthly Population survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Australia’s employment and unemployment statistics are produced from this survey. Your co-operation is vital if the survey is to be successful.

Your Part in the Survey.
An ABS interviewer, who will have an official identification card, will call on you shortly to ask questions about the Images activities of all household members, for example, whether they are employed, looking for work, at school, etc. The interviewer will ask for your name to assist with the interview, but if you wish the interview will be conducted anonymously

Guarantee of Confidentiality
The answers you provide will be treated confidentially. The ABS is required by the Census and Statistics Act to Imagestain the secrecy of ail information provided to it. No information will be released in a way that would enable an individual or household to be identified.

Further Information
In the enclosed brochure answers have been provided to some of the questions that people often ask about this survey. The interviewer who calls will be able to answer any other questions you might have.

If you wish to enquire further about this survey now, please telephone my Population Surveys Section on 1800 636 809, and they will be glad to assist you. Please show this letter to other members of your household. I look forward to your co-operation in this important national survey.
 
 
 

 
Wendy Howard...editor of Despatch

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