The 2026 Australian Census faces a unique challenge: accurately capturing the 'ghost population' of FIFO workers in regional Australia. This issue is particularly acute in mining hubs like Kalgoorlie-Boulder, where the FIFO workforce has surged, outpacing population growth and straining infrastructure. The city's population has skyrocketed from 19,605 in 1911 to 31,268 in 2021, with an estimated 10,000 FIFO workers during the current boom. This rapid growth has led to a bustling airport, with over half a million passenger movements in the past year, far exceeding its original capacity.
Mayor Glenn Wilson is at the forefront of this advocacy, lobbying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to include 'ghost populations' in the census. He argues that the current method undercounts FIFO workers, impacting funding opportunities for regional development. Wilson's concerns are shared by the Australian Mining Cities Alliance, which represents several mining towns, all grappling with similar challenges.
The issue extends beyond Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The Pilbara, a major iron ore region, has a long-standing FIFO workforce, but infrastructure struggles to cope with the demand. The Shire of East Pilbara in Newman is spending over $50 million to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant, highlighting the strain on local resources. This strain is further exacerbated by the fact that FIFO workers often list their primary residence elsewhere, making accurate counting even more complex.
The ABS acknowledges the challenge, employing a dedicated team to coordinate with mine sites for accurate data collection. However, the question of 'usual residence' is a complex one. It's not just about where FIFO workers sleep, but where they feel they belong. Organisational psychiatrist Cheryl Yam emphasizes the psychological aspect, suggesting that the camp where FIFO workers reside is often more than just a workplace; it's a temporary home.
The 2026 Census must address this issue to ensure accurate representation and fair distribution of resources. It's a delicate balance between recognizing the unique circumstances of FIFO workers and maintaining the integrity of the census data. As the data is set to be released in June 2027, the challenge remains to capture the true picture of Australia's regional populations, including the often-overlooked FIFO 'ghost population'.
