For multicultural communities in Australia, the Census is more than just a count of people, it is a vital tool that shapes the delivery of essential services. Recent concerns over the accuracy and completeness of census data have highlighted how critical it is for ensuring equitable treatment, particularly among non-English-speaking and culturally diverse groups. In particular, the case of Gia Lam, a Vietnamese-born woman whose death in 2019 was attributed to misdiagnosis due to communication barriers, underscores the real-world implications of inadequate data collection. Her story has become emblematic of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees in accessing timely and appropriate healthcare. Gia Lam, 32, gave birth to a baby boy in 2019. Three days later, she was found dead in her home. An inquest conducted by the Coroner’s Court of New South Wales concluded that her death was preventable, resulting from sepsis caused by undiagnosed urinary tract infections. According to the court’s findings, multiple failures occurred in diagnosing her condition. Notably, during parts of her hospital stay, Vietnamese interpreters were unavailable, which hindered effective communication between Lam and medical staff. A midwife had noted an unusual odor, but it was dismissed as a hygiene issue instead of being investigated further for possible underlying health problems. Priyanka Rai, executive director of the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative, emphasized that such cases are not isolated. She cited numerous similar instances where language barriers led to miscommunication and, in some cases, fatal outcomes. “There was a gap in communication,” Rai explained, noting that Lam attempted to convey her discomfort but was unable to do so effectively without proper interpretation. This highlights the importance of accurate census data in determining the need for translation and interpreting services, which are crucial in healthcare settings. The upcoming Census, scheduled for Tuesday, 11 August, aims to capture detailed demographic information, including ancestry, country of birth, and language spoken at home. According to the 2021 Census, nearly 27.6 percent of Australians were born overseas, while almost half, 48.2 percent, have parents who were born abroad. Emily Walter, a national spokesperson for the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), stressed that the Census seeks to understand the diverse makeup of the population, including their cultural backgrounds, health, education, and employment statuses. This data helps shape policies and allocate resources accordingly. Despite its significance, the Census form is often viewed as complex, especially for individuals unfamiliar with English. Abbas Raza Alvi, president of the Indian Crescent Society of Australia, pointed out that the form includes up to 66 questions, some of which contain terminology that may be difficult for certain groups to comprehend. To address these challenges, online resources are available in 26 languages, and the Translating and Interpreting Service offers assistance in over 150 languages. These measures aim to make the process more accessible and inclusive for all participants. Census data plays a pivotal role in shaping a wide array of public services. It influences decisions related to language support, settlement programs, transportation planning, school zoning, healthcare provision, infrastructure development, and business strategies. This year, the Census will introduce two new optional questions for individuals aged 16 or older, asking about gender identity and sexual orientation. These additions will help better understand and serve the needs of the LGBTQI+ community in Australia. Beyond government agencies, organizations such as SBS News leverage Census data to tailor their content. With broadcasts and publications available in over 60 languages, SBS ensures its media offerings align with the nation’s evolving demographics. Researchers also depend heavily on Census data to analyze population trends, economic shifts, and social dynamics. As the latest Census approaches, the accuracy of responses will be crucial in guiding future policy and service delivery for Australia’s increasingly multicultural society.
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