Full Breakdown
Australia’s 2026 Census Adds Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Questions
8/12/2026, 12:43:17 AM
Core Event
On August 11 2026, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducted the quinquennial Census of Population and Housing. For the first time, the 66-question form included optional items for respondents aged 16 and over to describe their sexual orientation (straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, “don’t know”, “prefer not to answer”, or a self-written term) and their current gender identity if it differs from the sex recorded at birth (man, woman, non-binary, “prefer not to answer”, or a self-written term). The gender-identity question is asked in addition to the long-standing question on sex recorded at birth.
Background & Context
After backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates and criticism from some Labor MPs, the government reversed course. The ABS consulted an LGBTIQ+ Expert Advisory Committee and conducted public testing before finalising the wording. The move aligns Australia with peers such as New Zealand (2023), Scotland, England, Wales and Canada, which have already collected similar data.
Data & Statistics
- The Census contains 66 questions covering demographics, housing, education, work, income, religion and the new sexuality and gender items.
- More than 5 million household forms had been lodged by the morning of Census night, roughly half of the 2021 total of 9.3 million occupied households.
- The ABS expects 85 % of responses to be submitted online, up from about 80 % in 2021.
- Completion is compulsory under the Census and Statistics Act 1905; failure to submit a form can lead to a fine of up to AU$364 per day and false information can attract a penalty of up to AU$3,640.
- An estimated 4.5 % of Australian adults identify as LGBTQ+, with 0.9 % identifying as trans-plus, according to ABS estimates released earlier in 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the government did not want to spark “divisive debates” by changing the questionnaire. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the sexual-orientation question would be reinstated. ABS Chief Statistician David Gruen noted public consultations showed “substantial interest” and that the optional format respects respondents who prefer not to disclose. Census spokesperson Emily Walter reiterated that the ABS separates names and addresses from other data and that no other government department can access individual responses.
Criticism & Opposition
Some Labor lawmakers and privacy advocates warned the new items could deter participation or expose respondents to stigma. Liz Allen, a demographer at the Australian National University, argued the questionnaire should also capture intersex status, noting the question was tested but omitted because it “was not as well understood.” Equality Australia’s legal director Heather Corkhill called the inclusion a “powerful moment” for visibility but said data gaps—particularly around intersex people—remain.
On-the-Ground Reports
Trans-identifying resident Roxie Swart said the new gender question allows them to be counted “for the first time” and expressed pride in seeing their identity reflected in national statistics. Field staff are also deployed to assist people experiencing homelessness, ensuring that “rain-out” populations are captured.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The ABS confirmed the addition of sexuality and gender items but disclosed that a proposed question on intersex status was dropped after testing indicated limited public understanding. Advocates continue to call for its inclusion in future censuses to close remaining data gaps.
