Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) counts every person and household in Australia. This is called the Census of Population and Housing. The Census is compulsory.
The Census form asks questions about your age, country of birth, cultural background, living situation, work and education. Your answers help government and non-government organisations understand what Australia needs now and into the future.
That Census data is used to inform decisions about transport, schools, health care, infrastructure, and business. It also helps plan local services for individuals, families and communities.
SPASA knows the value of good data, and this Census we are encouraging all members to take a moment to complete the Census; here's why!
This year, for the first time, swimming pool and spa builders and technicians can be accurately counted in this national survey, thanks to the creation of unique occupation codes for our industry. But this only works if everyone takes part and uses the correct occupation codes.
Until now, the swimming pool and spa industry has been effectively invisible in official statistics, absorbed into broader construction categories. That invisibility means decisions about training, funding, apprenticeship and traineeship pathways, and workforce planning are all being shaped by data that isn't about us – this is our chance to be properly recognised.
The Census is a rare, five-yearly opportunity to change that. Strong, accurate participation helps:
Build the evidence base for future training and funding decisions affecting our trades;
Demonstrate the true size and value of the pool and spa workforce; and
Mean the industry finally shows up in the published ABS statistics SPASA relies on to advocate for our trades.
It only works if we act together. Individual Census answers are kept confidential by the ABS and are never shared with SPASA or anyone else, but every correctly coded response adds to the published, industry-level numbers. The more of us who take part and choose the right job classification, the more meaningful the data will become. A few minutes on Census night genuinely count, for you, your business, the broader swimming pool and spa industry, and the next generation of our industry.
Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026. From late July 2026, households will receive instructions on how to complete the Census. You can complete the Census as soon as you get your instructions, if you know where you'll be on Census night.
Most households will get a letter with instructions to complete the Census online. If you get instructions to complete online but would prefer a paper form, you'll be able to request one. Some households will get a paper form. Once completed, return it using the Reply Paid envelope provided. There are instructions on the form if you would prefer to complete it online.
The Census asks questions about people's occupation. SPASA has worked hard to have unique occupation codes created so that we can get good industry data. Please ensure you use the correct code when completing your Census survey:
SPASA appreciates members helping to get this important data right; make your Census answers count!
For more information about the Census, the questions, and to get help or support, please visit the ABS' Census website.
To learn more about getting qualified, head to IRLearning