For the first time, Australians aged 16 and over will be asked to identify their sexual orientation and sex recorded at birth in the 2026 Census. This significant update, announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Tuesday, will also allow participants to choose up to four cultural ancestries and indicate whether they commute by bicycle or e-bike.
The introduction of these new topics follows a 2024 reversal on a prior decision to exclude questions that would, for the first time, quantify the LGBTQIA+ population in Australia. The 2026 Census aims to provide a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the nation’s demographic landscape.
Understanding the Census
The Australian Census is a mandatory, five-yearly questionnaire distributed to every household, designed to create “the most comprehensive picture of Australia’s population and housing,” according to the ABS. As the largest statistical analysis of the population, it offers critical insights that inform decision-making across government, business, and community sectors.
The ABS explains, “The census collects information on demographic characteristics such as age and sex, types of housing, and on other topics such as education, participation in the labour force, occupations and industries, marital status, and family size.” This extensive range of topics facilitates multi-dimensional analysis, providing a unique and thorough view of Australian society.
New and Updated Questions in 2026
The 2026 Census will include new questions on gender and sexual orientation, marking a significant step in acknowledging and understanding Australia’s diverse population. The ABS states, “The 2026 Census will ask questions on both sex recorded at birth and gender.” This will help generate data on trans and gender-diverse populations.
Participants will be able to identify their gender with options such as Man, Woman, Non-binary, Another term (specify), or choose not to answer. Additionally, a question on sexual orientation will allow Australians to describe their sexuality with options including Straight, Gay or Lesbian, Bisexual, Another term (specify), Don’t know, and Prefer not to answer.
Besides these new inclusions, the census will allow Australians to report up to four cultural ancestries, offering a richer understanding of the nation’s ethnic diversity. Changes also include the addition of liver disease as an option for long-term health conditions and the inclusion of e-bikes in the commuting category.
Historical Context and Expert Opinions
The decision to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity reflects a broader global trend towards recognizing and validating diverse identities within national statistics. Countries like Canada and the UK have already incorporated similar questions in their censuses, setting precedents for inclusive data collection.
Dr. Alex Thompson, a sociologist specializing in demographic studies, notes, “This move by the ABS is a progressive step towards acknowledging the complexities of identity in modern Australia. It will provide invaluable data that can shape policies and services to better support all Australians.”
Timeline for Data Release
The ABS plans to release the 2026 Census data in three phases. Most topics will be made public by June 2027, with smaller sections released in October 2027. All remaining insights will be available by early 2028, ensuring a comprehensive dissemination of information.
This phased approach will allow for detailed analysis and application of the data, aiding in the development of policies and programs that reflect the needs of Australia’s evolving population.
The 2026 Census represents a pivotal moment in Australia’s demographic analysis, promising to deliver a more inclusive and accurate portrait of its people. As the nation prepares for this extensive data collection, the implications for social policy and community support are profound.
