Australia Adds Optional Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Questions to Census
The new questions aim to improve data on LGBTQ+ people and First Nations communities, with 85% of Australians expected to respond online.
- On Tuesday, Australians participated in the 2026 Census, which for the first time included new questions on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expanded ancestry options.
- The Australian Bureau of Statistics introduced these questions following decades of advocacy, aligning Australia with comparable countries including New Zealand, Canada, Scotland, England, and Wales.
- Acknowledging the sensitivity of these topics, ABS chief statistician David Gruen noted respondents may select "Prefer not to answer," while individuals can request separate forms to ensure privacy.
- Data gathered through the Census helps governments shape funding, policies, and services for LGBTQ people across the country, addressing decades of invisibility in national datasets.
- Participation in the Census remains compulsory for all residents, with penalties of up to $364 per day for those refusing to complete the required forms.
33 Articles
33 Articles
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