Background information and updates

Interested in learning more about the 2026 census? What all the fuss about the 2021 census is about? What else is being done? Check out the links below.

• Locals asked to provide feedback on census
  Article by Power FM 103.1 (Radio station in Ballarat VIC) whom I provided an interview for immediately prior to the ABS announcement calling for submissions.
  
  
• NSW State Government pledges support.
  NSW Arts Minister Ben Franklin committed to lobbying with the federal government to include the LGBTQI community in the next Census. “The Australian Census does not properly capture information on sexual orientation or gender identity. Until we are counted, we will remain invisible,” said Franklin. “I can pledge today that I will continue to fight for our community to be counted and lobby the federal government to have our representation in the census as the government’s plan for the delivery of services, and this would create our future.” Source: Star Observer
  
  
• New hope the next Census will finally count LGBTQIA+ communities Overview of ABS statement to seek submissions. Source: Q News
  
  
• Australian Bureau of Statistics admits 2021 Census' non-binary sex option was a failure 
  The Australian Bureau of Statistics has said that it will evaluate how information on sex was collected for the 2021 Census and make recommendations to the government before the 2026 Census. This follows an admission that its analysis of data revealed that the addition of the non-binary option for the sex question in the 2021 Census had failed to yield any meaningful data. Source: Star Observer
  
  
• ABS said census questions on gender and sexual orientation risked public backlash
  An excellent article by The Guardian from three years ago, which provides background information on why LGBT data collection was dropped from the 2021 census.
  
  
• Liberal MP calls for sexuality questions in census after ABS dumped them on minister’s guidance
  Another excellent article from The Guardian providing background on the 2021 census results.
• 2021 Census Data shows nothing for LGBTIQ+ Australians
  Statement by Nicky Bath (CEO, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia) regarding the  results of the 2021 Census.

• Census campaign by Equality Australia
  Equality Australia is also running a petition to include LGBT data in the 2026 census. The exact method they are approaching isn't disclosed, nor is the scope of support behind their petition; but it is a noble cause none-the-less. If you would like to sign this petition also, you can do so here. Equality Australia was one of the NGO's which unsuccessfully petitioned the government to include LGBT data in the 2021 census. The wording of the petition is:

  We the undersigned call on the federal government to commit to an inclusive Census in 2026.

  In the 2026 Census we want to see 

  A separate question on sexual orientation
  A separate question on gender identity
  A separate question on variations of sex characteristics
  Our reasons for this are outlined here:

  The Australian Census occurs every five years and provides crucial information about the makeup of the population that helps inform how and where services are delivered to the Australian population. No Census has ever asked Australians questions on sexual orientation or variations of sex characteristics or whether they are trans or gender diverse.

  Research shows that LGBTIQA+ Australians experience worse social and economic outcomes than other Australians, with members of these communities reporting difficulties in accessing health, employment and other services because of stigma and discrimination.

  The 2021 Census was an opportunity to recognise and understand this population for the first time in order for state, territory and federal governments to better meet their needs. This has already occurred in comparable countries like Canada and the UK to the benefit of LGBTIQA+ people, their families and communities.

  But the Federal Government decided the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which runs the Census, would not include questions that have been requested by a range of LGBTIQA+ organisations, and that meet the ABS’s own guidelines on the recognition of sex and gender. These questions would have told us the number of LGBTIQA+ Australians, where they live and what their needs are.

  Instead, the ABS only included under ‘sex’ an option to also nominate ‘non-binary sex’. The question will not recognise Australians of diverse sexual orientations or sex characteristics and it cannot meaningfully be answered by the many trans and gender diverse people who do not identify as non-binary. It will therefore not produce any meaningful or valid data about the LGBTIQ+ population.

  There is also a risk that, because it is likely only a small number of people will answer the question, the results will be used against the trans and gender diverse population by opponents who will cite the small number of responses to justify continuing discrimination against, and underinvestment in services for, this population.

  We are also concerned that the Census in its current form renders many lesbian, gay and bisexual Australians invisible. Currently, the Census allows Australians to indicate if they are in a cohabiting same-sex relationship. However, this does not count same-sex attracted Australians who are not in a relationship, not in a cohabiting relationship, and not in a same-sex relationship. While gathering data on same-sex relationships is useful, it is not a surrogate for gathering data on all LGB Australians.

  We condemn the 2021 Census for continuing to render LGBTIQA+ Australians invisible and to making it harder to address the stigma, discrimination and lack of services we experience.

  We call on the Federal Government to commit to following its own guidelines on recognition of sex and gender by including in the 2026 Census the best practice questions already developed in consultation with the LGBTIQ+ community.

• Census campaign by Equal Australia
  Another LGBT NGO running a petition to include LGBT people in the 2026 Census. It appears to be identical to Equality Australia's campaign. You can sign this petition here too if you choose.