SA Bloke Loses Bid To Invoice Government For Time Spent Filling Out Census Form

A South Aussie bloke has seen his attempt to invoice the federal government for the time he spent filling out the Census form turned down by the Supreme Court.

Small business owner Tyson Brown, from the Eden Hills, initially refused to fill out the Census form unless the Australian Bureau of Statistics paid him $50 to cover his time.

When an ABS employee knocked on his door in 2016, Brown said he couldn't afford the time to work for free, producing a $50 invoice for the Census collector.

“I said ‘I’m happy to do it, but I need to be compensated’,” Brown told InDaily.

“It’s my inalienable right not to be forced – to be compelled – to do anything for anyone for free.

Brown said he told the ABS collector : “I don’t trust you guys to pay your bills on time, so I’m going to need payment in advance,” claiming that she took the $50 invoice.

Last week Brown was summonsed to appear in the Magistrates Court, where he was facing five charges against the Census Act.

He failed to appear in court and was charged in his absence.

Brown maintains that it would have been a breach of his human rights if he were made to fill out the Census without payment.