Technical stuff

About the online survey

What is in the online survey?
The online survey covers a range of topics about you, including your health and well-being and aspects of your social life.

Why should I do the online survey?
Doing the online survey will mean that your home survey will be shorter. You can complete the online survey when it is convenient for you. As a thank you for your continued participation, you will receive an instant $20 e-gift card on completion of your online survey.

How long will the online survey take?
We estimate it will take about approximately 25 to 30 minutes to complete. 

I don't want to do it all in one go. Can I save it and come back and finish it later?
Yes. You can exit  your survey and finish it at a later time. Your survey will automatically save your responses to questions as you progress. Ensure that you have responded to all questions on your current screen and clicked ‘Next’ before closing your browser window.

Do I have to do the online survey?
The online survey is an important part of your interview. You don't have to complete the online survey prior to your home visit but if it's not completed prior, it will be part of the home visit. 

What happens if I only complete part of the online survey?
You will be asked to finish the online survey during the home visit on your own device. If you are having technical issues, you can complete the survey on the interviewer’s secure device. However, this will require you to restart the survey from the beginning.   

How do I access my $20 e-gift card?
Following the completion of the online survey, you will be asked to provide your email address and to choose between a $20 e-gift card or to pledge the value of your gift card to one of our partner charities: :, The Smith Family’s, Learning For Life program, or World Wildlife Foundation’s, Regenerate Australia program. You will then be sent an email containing a link to your $20 e-gift card or an email confirming your pledge to our charity partner of choice.

What if I don't have an email address to access my e-gift card?
If you don’t have an email address or do not want to provide your email address, you can select this as an option once you have completed your online survey. We will get in touch over the phone to organise an your gift.

Is my survey confidential?
Your privacy is very important to us. Strict procedures are followed to ensure that only authorised people have access to the information provided to us. You can find more information on Privacy here.

Online survey technical FAQs

Can I use my tablet/smartphone to do the online survey?
If you would prefer, you can complete your online survey on your tablet or smartphone. You should ensure you have a stable internet connection while completing the online survey.

Which internet browser should I use to complete the online survey?
We recommend you complete your online survey in Chrome or Edge. However, your survey is compatible with any modern browser. You should ensure that your internet browser has been updated to the latest version.

How do I log on and access the survey?
To access your online survey you will need access to your unique link. This will be provided to you through paper mail (via a QR code) and direct link in an email. Next you will need to enter your date of birth as the password to your survey. If you haven’t received your survey link email, please check your spam or junk mail. Although we have taken measures to make sure the survey emails reach you, occasionally they may be blocked.

Why do I need to provide my date of birth?
Your date of birth functions as your password into your unique link and means that only you can access your survey.

What about the ABS Survey Account I used to access previously?
Your ABS Survey Account can no longer be used to access your online survey. This has been replaced by a modernised system which allows you to start your survey faster. Instead, you will be sent a unique link to your survey through email and post mail.

What about my security key and form access code?
Your security key and form access code can no longer be used to access your online survey. The password to access your online survey will now be your date of birth.

I'm having difficulty accessing the online survey.
If you are having problems accessing your survey or submitting your responses, please try the following: 

• Close your internet browser. Then, open a new browser window and try logging back in.
• Opening your unique survey link in a different web browser.
• Clearing your cache/browsing history by referring to your browser's instructions.
• We may be experiencing a high volume of traffic which can sometimes cause issues. Please log back in at a later time.

If you continue experiencing problems, please contact 1800 005 508 or email the Growing Up in Australia team.

My online survey closed before I had finished it!
Your online survey will save your responses as you progress through each screen. Simply return to the survey with your unique link, enter your password, and you can continue completing your online survey from your last saved response.

What should I do if I get an error message?
Contact the Growing Up in Australia team on 1800 005 508 or email us.

How do I know if I’ve lodged my survey correctly?
Once you have selected your gift option (e-gift card or pledging to one of our charity partners) and clicked ‘Next’, your survey will be lodged. You will then be prompted to close your browser window.

I did not receive my e-gift card, what should I do?
If you selected an e-gift card at the end of your online survey and  did not receive an email containing a link, please check your spam or junk mail. If you cannot find it, please check again in 24 hours as there may be a delay in the dispatch of your email. Following this you should contact the Growing Up in Australia team on 1800 005 508 or email us and we can re-issue your e-gift card if needed.

What do I do if I can't finish the online survey because of a technical issue?
If you have technical issues, please contact the Growing Up in Australia team on 1800 005 508 or email us.

If the problem can’t be solved, then you can still complete the online survey during the home interview.