- A big change is coming in the next census in 2026
- Questions about sexuality and gender will be included
The 2026 census will include questions about sexuality and gender, Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed.
Following a backlash over the government’s decision to exclude such questions, breaking an election promise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said late last month that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) was trialling “a new question”.
Mr Chalmers, the minister responsible for the ABS, confirmed on Sunday that the government was backtracking on its stance.
“We’ll be adding a new topic that covers both sexual orientation and gender,” he told Insiders.
‘This will be the first time in the 2026 census.’
He said the government had “listened to the community.”
“LGBTQI+ Australians matter. They have been heard and will be counted in the 2026 census,” the Treasurer said.
Mr Chalmers had previously said he was concerned the questions could be “weaponised” in comments justifying the government’s decision to exclude them.
Following a backlash over the government’s decision to exclude such questions, breaking an election promise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said late last month that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) was trialling “a new question”.
“LGBTQI+ Australians matter. They have been heard and will be counted in the 2026 census,” said Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody has slammed him, calling his comments “patronising”.
“We had good intentions and we listened to the community and worked with ABS and said we would find the best way forward,” Dr Chalmers said on Sunday.
We believe in listening and working with the ABS and the community and consulting in a really genuine way.”
Several Labour MPs broke ranks with the government over its initial decision to exclude questions.