(Re-posted as a community service to all genealogists.) SAVE THE 2006 CENSUS For many years local & family historians have tried to change the policy of destroying census forms after statistical data has been extracted, in Australia. In 2001 (as part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations) a trial took place which allowed individuals to request that their forms be retained. 53% of the population chose to retain their name identifiable data which is now housed at the National Archives until the year 2100. As 2001 was only a trial, there was no commitment to retain future censuses and the Australian Bureau of Statistics has recently released its proposals for the 2006 census, and is asking for submissions to be in by 30 July 2003. It is VITAL that all local & family historians (including friends and family) & interested persons make a personal submission by the 30th July 2003 requesting the following : That all forms in the 2006 & future Census in Australia should be retained by the National Archives in Australia because they are an invaluable record of Australian history, particularly for local & family history. The census is the only public record that records the name, address and occupation of every Australian. No other sources has this national coverage. At the very least, change the default option to retention of the form i.e. requiring individuals to specifically "opt out" of retention, rather than "opt in". Send your submissions, including your name, address, telephone, email (if applicable) and make sure you sign and date the letter. Submissions can be sent via email to [email protected] or posted to Roslyn Harvie, Population Census Development, Australian Bureau if Statistics, Locked Bag 10, Belconnen ACT 2016. Spread the word.....the more people we inform, the better response. A copy of the Information Paper: Census of Population and Housing, ABS Views on Content and Procedures (2007.0) is available to consult at http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/free.nsf/Lookup/649C8AC4990CF250CA25 6D5700065D50/$File/20070%5F2006.pdf