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More details have been released on the measures the Australian Bureau of Statistics will take to ensure all eligible Australians can have their say in the upcoming survey on same-sex marriage.
ABS deputy Australian statistician Jonathan Palmer said interpreter services would be available, along with instructions in 15 languages.
Eligible participants who can not receive forms by post will be able to collect survey forms in capital cities and there will be services to help those with hearing and speech impairments.
People living overseas during the collection period, who are vision impaired, living in a residential aged care facility or living in very remote areas will have a paperless option.
“In these circumstances, only those eligible Australians will be able to request a secure access code so they can provide an anonymous survey response through an automated telephone service, secure online form or via the information line,” Mr Palmer said.
Codes will be available from September 25 to October 20.
People with a disability that might affect their ability to participate have also been advised they can ask a trusted person to assist with the completion and return of their form.
The Australian Electoral Commission will post survey forms to silent electors, and their details will not be passed on to the ABS.
The ABS says it will work with homelessness services to ensure people experiencing homelessness can participate.
Those who are homeless will be able to pick up a survey form from certain locations, request the form be sent to the address of a trusted person, or contact the ABS to complete the survey online or over the phone.
People have until midnight on Thursday, August 24 to enrol or update their enrollment details with the Commonwealth Electoral Roll.
To enrol or update details, visit the Australian Electoral Commission website or collect a form from a post office.
The AEC website also has information on enrolment for people with no fixed address, such as those experiencing homelessness.
The ABS information line can be reached on 1800 572 113.
For more information, visit the ABS website.
