The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has announced that the upcoming 2026 Census will include new questions on gender and sexual orientation, following extensive public consultation and lobbying by health research institutes and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. These additions aim to provide a clearer picture of Australia's LGBTQ+ population and inform the development of targeted health and community services.
For the first time, Australians aged 16 and over will be asked to identify their sex recorded at birth, gender, and sexual orientation. The gender question offers options such as Man, Woman, Non-binary, Another term (with a space to specify), and Prefer not to answer. The sexual orientation question includes options like Straight, Gay or Lesbian, Bisexual, Another term (with a space to specify), Don't know, and Prefer not to answer. These questions are designed to be inclusive and easy to understand for people from diverse backgrounds.
The decision to include these questions follows a period of public consultation and lobbying by health research institutes and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. In September 2024, these organizations expressed concern that omitting such questions would leave Australia's LGBTQ+ populations "invisible" and at greater risk of harm. In response, the ABS conducted extensive testing and consultation to develop the wording and response options for these new questions.
The inclusion of these questions is expected to enhance the quality of data collected, providing valuable insights into the experiences of LGBTQ+ Australians. This data will support the development and delivery of targeted health and social programs and services, ensuring they are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
The 2026 Census is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The ABS has emphasized the importance of participation, noting that the Census provides essential information for public policy development, funding allocations, and research on Australia's economic, social, and cultural makeup. The data collected will be released in phases, with most topics available by June 2027.