It's Census Time!

A couple of days ago, here in Australia, we all had to fill out the 5 yearly compulsory census form.
This is something that most Australians think is a ridiculous waste of time and money and I'm one of them.

There's nothing wrong with the concept of having data about the people of this country, it's just unfortunate that we have politicians asking the questions and wasting other people's money.

The census is supposed to be anonymous, but the very first question on the form is to provide your name. Now the household can be easily identified by the individual number included on the top of each form - so why does the government want to identify each person along with their answers.

A number of polls have been done by newspapers and TV, and it has been found that most Australians don't trust the census. Of course that means most people will make up answers on the form! Another thing that I couldn't understand is how it was possible for me to fill out the census online 4 days before I was supposed to do it! -- go figure!!

Another interesting thing I noticed was that about 25% of the questions relate to information that the government welfare department require from anyone receiving any form of welfare payment. I guess "big brother" really is watching.

It's estimated that the census costs Australia $440 million (that's $19 per person)!! I think that it's obscene that a government wastes that much money on getting what is largely incorrect information, when our hospital system is struggling to cope.

I suppose that I shouldn't really get so upset, but it really infuriates me to see such an incredible waste of money and time.