Australia's Census Controversy: Government's Decisions Spark Public Outcry

The Australian government abruptly halted the addition or amendment of questions in the 2026 census, citing fears of 'divisive debate.' This decision has drawn swift backlash and sparked concerns about excluding crucial data on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Australian Bureau of Statistics faces the challenging task of rebuilding public trust.

Canberra, Sep 2 (360info) — The Australian government's abrupt intervention in the national census has left the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) with a monumental task of rebuilding public trust.

After two years of thorough consultation, the consideration to add or amend questions in the 2026 census was unexpectedly halted by government minister Andrew Leigh. The move stemmed from fears that including questions regarding Indigenous cultural identity, reasons for moving, gender, sex variations, and sexual orientation might 'cause divisive debate.'

The public backlash was swift, featuring calls for a boycott of the census and accusations of deliberate data erasure. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has since backtracked, announcing that sexual orientation would be reconsidered for inclusion. However, the damage to public trust remains a pressing issue for the ABS, which is striving to maintain the census's integrity and comprehensive data collection.

(With inputs from agencies.)