Answering Community Questions About the 2026 Census
The updated occupation list adds 300 jobs, including content creators and cybersecurity analysts, to better capture Australia’s modern workforce, ABS chief statistician Dr David Gruen said.
- The Australian Bureau of Statistics launched the 2026 Census on Tuesday, marking the first major update to its Occupation Standard Classification in 20 years. The $23.7 million review adds about 300 new job titles while retiring approximately 250 obsolete roles.
- Chief Statistician Dr. David Gruen led the review, which spanned over 200 days and involved more than 2,000 groups and 800 submissions. The updated framework removes gendered language such as "man" and "woman" from job titles and better incorporates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander occupations.
- New classifications better reflect contemporary roles, including cybersecurity analysts and influencers categorized as "content creators." Design Institute of Australia chief executive Simone LeAmon noted design's formal recognition represents its $67.5 billion annual economic contribution.
- Accurate occupation data helps governments and researchers target policies, funding, and training investments. Charles Darwin University demographer Professor Andrew Taylor emphasized this evidence is essential for developing effective services across housing, health, and education.
- Beyond employment statistics, the five-yearly Census tracks how challenges from the past five years—including COVID-19 and rising living costs—have shaped Australian families and communities. Taylor noted the data provides a comprehensive picture guiding future policy and planning.
12 Articles
12 Articles
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From privacy conspiracy theories by the tinfoil hat brigade to allegations of a woke agenda, the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ five-yearly Census might be the nation’s most controversial questionnaire.
Equality advocates welcome gender, sexuality questions in 2026 Census
Transgender and LGBTIQA+ advocates more broadly say inclusion of gender and sexuality questions in the 2026 Australian Census is a landmark moment for our community. Held every five years, the Australian Census captures a snapshot of who makes up this nation’s population. In 2026, we will be invited to fill out our forms on Tuesday, 11 August. This year marks the first time questions regarding sexuality and gender will be featured in the Census,…
Sydney Morning Herald
The jobs joining the census and the occupations that have been axed
Content creators and outdoor adventure leaders are some of the dozens of occupations to be listed for the first time in Tuesday night’s census, while print journalists are among those cut.
Why the 2026 Census matters more than ever
Australians are being encouraged to take part in the 2026 Census, with experts saying the once-every-five-years survey will help shape the country’s future after years of major social and economic change. Since the last Census in 2021, Australia has experienced the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising housing costs and ongoing cost-of-living pressures. According to Charles Darwin University (CDU) demographer Professor Andrew Taylor, …
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