Australia 2026 Census Adds Gender, Sexuality Questions

Australia's 2026 national census, conducted on August 11, 2026, includes questions on sexual orientation and gender identity for the first time in the nation's history. The 66-question survey, which is mandatory for all residents including visitors and temporary visa holders, aims to provide a more comprehensive picture of the population to inform government planning and service allocation for the next five years.

The inclusion of these optional questions for people aged 16 and over represents a significant shift in how the country collects demographic data. Respondents can voluntarily disclose their sexual orientation with options including straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, or another term. A separate question asks about gender identity, allowing answers such as man, woman, nonbinary, or another term. A third question asks for sex recorded at birth, a topic included in every Australian census since 1911. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) states that asking both the sex-at-birth and gender identity questions will improve data quality and help produce statistics about cisgender, transgender, and gender-diverse Australians.

The change follows a 2022 election promise by...