Marriage poll forms may still be in post

THOUSANDS of Geelong region voters are yet to receive the same-sex marriage survey, but organisers say the paperwork is on its way.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics yesterday said all eligible Australians would receive their form by Monday, September 25, following concern on social media that the orange-andbeige form was yet to show up at their address.

ABS deputy statistician Jonathan Palmer said people who had not received their forms should wait at least until Monday before requesting new survey materials.

“We’re aware that there are people who’ve moved house and haven’t updated their address on the electoral roll,” he said.

“To make sure they have their say, they can update their address by contacting the ABS via our website, www.marriagesurvey.abs .gov.au, or by calling the Information Line on 1800 572 113.

“A replacement form will be sent to their current address and the form sent to their old address will be made invalid.”

Mr Palmer said people who had not received their survey materials by Monday could also request new materials via the ABS website or the information line.

“The survey materials will contain a new survey form, a reply paid envelope and instructions on how to complete the survey,” he said.

Mr Palmer said the ABS was also aware of media reports of people opening former tenants’ mail and returning their completed survey forms.

“If you receive a survey form not addressed to you, do the right thing and just return it to sender.

“It’s illegal to open others’ mail, unless you have their express permission as a trusted person,” he said.

“When a replacement form is issued, the previous form will be invalidated and if it has been received its response will not be counted.”