The statistics collection agency is calling on IT companies to propose ways to conduct its August 2006 Housing and Population Census online.
If the project is successful, come Census night, Australian citizens will have the option of reporting to the ABS online rather than using conventional paper lodgement.
ABS Census Development Director, David Nauenburg said the electronic lodgement form could improve collection in trouble-spots that are difficult for Census officials to reach, such as rural areas and secured apartment complexes.
"Ultimately, an efficient collection method leads to faster processing and this means the community and decision-makers have access to the results earlier," said Nauenburg.
IT companies that express an interest in the project will have to demonstrate that their systems preserve each respondents' privacy, can't accept multiple lodgments, are accessible to those with disabilities and can handle loads in excess of a million users in a single night.
Companies wishing to lodge expressions of Interest in the project have been advised to contact the ABS on (02) 6252 6675.
