Questions on sexual orientation, gender to be included in census
The decision follows backlash from the LGBTIQ+ advocates, Labor MPs and the unions after the government initially rejected having new questions in the survey.
Questions on sexual orientation and gender identity will be included in Australia’s next census, Jim Chalmers has confirmed.
The decision follows intense backlash from the LGBTIQ+ advocates, Labor backbenchers, and the union movement after the government previously rejected including new questions in the national survey.
“We’ll be adding a new topic which covers both sexual orientation and gender,” the Treasurer told the ABC on Sunday.
“We had good intentions and we listened to the community and we worked with the ABS and we said that we would find the best way through.”
He said the government had “listened to the community”.
“LGBTQI+ Australians matter. They have been heard and they will count in the 2026 census,” the Treasurer said.
Mr Chalmers previously said he was worried questions could be “weaponised” in remarks justifying the government’s decision to exclude them.
He was lambasted by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody, who called his comments “patronising”.
In a statement, Assistant Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh said the questions, which would be determined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, followed consultation with advocacy groups.
“We value every Australian, regardless of their faith, race, gender or LGBTIQ+ status,” Dr Leigh said.
“The government’s position follows further engagement with the community and additional discussions with the ABS.”
The new question regarding sexual orientation and gender identity will only be asked of people aged 16 and over. Participants will also have the option not to answer.
Dr Leigh said the census would not include questions on intersex status, which the ABS did not recommend.
“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,” he said.
“The government will continue to work with the intersex community about ways of gathering information in other ABS surveys.”
Labor’s decision not to include extra questions on sexuality and gender identity at the next census was met with strong opposition from advocates, unions and the party’s own MPs, including Josh Burns, Peter Khalil, Ged Kearney and others.
Additional reporting: Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer
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