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- Australia to include LGBTIQ+ identity questions in 2026 census following public outcry and government reversal
Australia to include LGBTIQ+ identity questions in 2026 census following public outcry and government reversal
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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.
There were proposals for wide-ranging changes in the census and that has been rejected because we think that that's not appropriate.
But in 2024, or 2026, the world has changed as well. It used to be … people's sexuality wasn't as open or as accepted as it is today. And therefore the census, in terms of modernising, reflecting some of the changed values which are there, by asking a question – I think that people would think that was a pretty commonsense outcome.
The ABS did not recommend a topic on variations of sex characteristics (intersex status) in the census, and it will not be included.
We value every Australian, regardless of their faith, race, gender or LGBTIQ+ status.
These questions will only be asked of people aged 16 and over, and the ABS has told the government that people will have the option not to answer.
The message that we want to ensure that Australians hear from us today is that we understand the feedback that we got.
We're introducing a topic for the first time which covers both sexual orientation and gender. The ABS will find the best way to do that.
LGBTIQ+ Australians matter. They have been heard, and they will count in the 2026 census.
The prime minister was talking about making one change and that's what we're doing.
