This year's census will for the first time allow citizens to submit their details via a Web browser with 128-bit SSL encryption with eCensus' two-factor authentication consisting of a census form number and an "eCensus number" - both delivered by the collector.

ABS eCensus project manager, Peter Clark told Computerworld that while the resident's details are confirmed at the time of census document delivery, a PKI system was not pursued because of its complexity.

"We wanted to keep it simple," Clark said. "We have two-factor, end-user authentication with 128-bit encryption, and PKI didn't seem the best way to go."

Clark said the proposed Human Services Access Card, which will carry personal information, could be used as a PKI-enabled smartcard. This would theoretically provide a more robust security infrastructure for the census information.

"A smartcard could be on the way and we will look at how we work with that in the 2011 census," Clark said.