The Albanese Government is setting a new topic of ‘sexual orientation and gender’ for inclusion in the 2026 Census.
This will allow the Australian Bureau of Statistics to ask questions on sexual orientation and gender for the first time, in keeping with their recommendation to government.
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 new topic reflects consultation with the ABS’s LGBTIQ+ Expert Advisory Committee, including key peak bodies in the sector.
The ABS did not recommend a topic on variations of sex characteristics (intersex status) in the Census, and it will not be included.
Although this topic was considered by the ABS, testing indicated high quality data could not be collected due to the technical complexity of the topic. The government will continue to work with the intersex community about ways of gathering information in other ABS surveys.
We value every Australian, regardless of their faith, race, gender or LGBTIQ+ status. The government’s position follows further engagement with the community and additional discussions with the ABS.
The government will make a legislative instrument to implement these changes, and will introduce this instrument before the end of the year.