FOREIGN hackers reportedly attacked the census website on Tuesday night, causing the Australia Bureau of Statistics to shut it down.

Dawson MP George Christensen acknowledged there had been "a lot of issues" with the push towards online.

"But the main thing that people need to know is they can fill in the census form online until at least September 23, and there will be no fines," he said.

With many Australians already worried about the security of an online census, Mr Christensen he could understand "concerns in relation to privacy".

"But the Australian Bureau of Statistics made the call to shut the system down (on Tuesday night) to protect your data," he said.

"There were four cyber-attacks...from international hackers of varying degrees, and the first three caused only minor disruption."

The fourth attack at around 7.30pm on Tuesday proved more severe, "and that's why the ABS took the precaution of closing down the entire system to protect data and ensure there were no breaches".

Mr Christensen advised the public "to give it some time before jumping online to get it done".

"You are not going to be fined so you can fill in the form next week or next month," he said.

A paper copy of the census can be requested by contacting the Australian Bureau of Statistics on 1300 214 531.