Australia to include LGBTIQ+ identity questions in 2026 census following public outcry and government reversal

The Australian government has announced plans to include questions on sexual orientation and gender in the 2026 census. The questions will be optional and will only be posed to individuals aged 16 and above. Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that the government has advised the Australian Bureau of Statistics to include a new single topic on gender and sexual orientation. The move reverses an earlier decision to exclude questions about LGBTIQ+ identity, with Chalmers stating "LGBTIQ+ Australians matter. They have been heard, and they will count." The exact wording of the questions has not been specified.