Australia adds sexuality and gender identity to census for first time everhttps://www.thepinknews.com/2026/08/11/australia-census-sexuality-gender-identity-2026/ 🔗Jack Wetherill (11 Aug 2026)
Sexual orientation and gender identity questions are included on Australia's census for the first time, a major shift in how the country counts its population and understands LGBTQ+ communities.
The change was reported on 11 August, ahead of Australia's next national population and housing count that same day. The inclusion means sexuality will be captured in official statistics collected at a national level.
The 2026 census in Australia is held under the country's centre-left Labor Party.
The new questions were dropped temporarily two years ago as they were deemed "divisive". Those aged 16 or older will be able to answer them, and they are both optional.
Those filling out the census about their orientation can answer straight, gay, bisexual, don't knot, prefer not to answer, or write in their own term.
As for gender, those who identify with a gender that differs from their sex at birth can answer man, woman, non-binary, prefer not to answer, or another written term.
For LGBTQ+ Australians, being counted in national data can shape how need is identified across areas such as healthcare, mental health support, education and community provision. It can also influence the evidence used by governments and service providers when assessing inequality and planning programmes.
