You can count on Ernie and Casey
27 Jul 2006

The Treasurer Peter Costello, assisted by TV presenter and actor Ernie Dingo and Australian Idol Casey Donovan, officially launched the national Census in Canberra on Tuesday.

National television advertisements for Australia’s largest peacetime exercise were unveiled to special guests and the media after Casey Donovan gave a distinctive and textured rendition of the national anthem in the National Press Club.

The advertisements feature Dingo at his most engaging, explaining the benefits of the population and housing survey that is held once every five years.

After a welcome to Ngunnawal country from Ngambri elder Matilda House, Mr Costello rejoiced in the recent halt in the decline of Australia’s fertility rate but repeated his call for Australians to have one baby “for mum, one for dad and one for the country”.

In an earlier advertising campaign preview, the Australian Statistician, Dennis Trewin, said Ernie Dingo had a uniquely broad appeal across the entire Australian population. He said the Australian Bureau of Statistics believed the public at large would quickly identify with him “as he invites us to do our bit for Australia’s future by completing the Census form”.

"Distinctive and textured'...that sounds good!!

Thanks Jay :)

Wow go Casey. Great news thanks Jay :) :wub: