'We deserve to be counted': Gender, sexuality to be asked about in census

The 2026 Australian census will include new questions about sexual orientation and gender identity for individuals aged 16 and above. These optional questions aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the LGBTQ+ population in Australia. Heather Corkhill, Equality Australia's legal director, expressed pride in these steps being taken, stating that it will help fill in data gaps and lead to targeted services and support for LGBTQ+ communities.

Roxie Swart, another respondent, will be properly counted for the first time in this census, highlighting the importance of inclusion. The census will also ask respondents about their sex recorded at birth, along with the new gender and sexual orientation questions. However, the question about intersex status was ultimately excluded due to testing showing it was not well understood.

Despite this, the ABS has made other updates, such as allowing people to report up to four ancestries and expanding the question about long-term health conditions to include liver disease.