Australia to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Questions in 2026 Census

Australia will include questions on sexual orientation and gender in its 2026 census, following controversy over the initial decision to exclude them. Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the change after consultations with the LGBTIQ+ community. Questions will be optional and for those over 16 years old.

Australia will feature questions on sexual orientation and gender in the 2026 census. This comes after controversy over the Labor government's initial decision to exclude such questions.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced on Sunday that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) would design the questions following consultations with the LGBTIQ+ community. 'We have listened to the LGBTIQ+ community to make sure that we can work with the ABS to deliver this really important change when it comes to the 2026 census,' Chalmers stated.

Initially, the government decided against including questions on LGBTIQ+ identity to avoid divisive debates. However, the move has now been reversed, ensuring these questions will be optional and asked only of those over 16 years of age.

(With inputs from agencies.)