Elvis Martin, a well-known advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, expressed relief at the recent announcement, stating, “I am so happy the government made the decision to include LGBTQI+ communities in the Census.
The government’s previous decision not to include our community in the Census caused a lot of harm and distress.” His comments underscore the importance of such recognition in official statistics, especially after the initial exclusion of LGBTQ+ questions from the Census had sparked concerns and disappointment within the community.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s confirmation on 30 August that the 2026 Australian Census will include a question on sexuality marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to inclusivity.
This decision follows widespread public debate and internal government discussions, ultimately leading to a move that many in the LGBTQ+ community see as a crucial step forward.
Aditya Saini, who identifies as gay, also welcomed the decision, saying, “I am super happy about the decision, seeing it as an important acknowledgment of my identity.” Saini’s reaction reflects the broader sentiment of those who believe that the inclusion of this question is not just a matter of data collection but a vital step toward recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ population in Australia.
This move is supported by recent data and studies that reveal the complexities of LGBTQ+ identities in Australia. A landmark study conducted earlier in 2024, led by Professor Daryl Higgins of the Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies, provided the most comprehensive snapshot of gay, lesbian, and queer sexualities in Australia.
The study found that 9.5 per cent of Australians do not identify as heterosexual, with this figure rising to 18.9 per cent among 16- to 24-year-olds. However, the study also highlighted the significant challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Australians, including high rates of maltreatment and abuse, particularly among younger individuals.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has also played a key role in shaping how these questions will be incorporated into the Census. In the 2021 Census, the ABS included a non-binary sex option as part of the question on sex, but this did not yield meaningful data due to limitations in the design of the question.
The ABS has since recognised that accurately capturing data on sex, gender, and sexual orientation requires separate, clearly defined questions. This approach is now being prepared for the 2026 Census, where the inclusion of a sexuality question is expected to provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of Australia’s diverse population.
The 2021 Census, while a step forward in some respects, revealed the limitations of combining sex and gender into a single question. Recognising this, the ABS has developed a Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics, and Sexual Orientation Variables, which outlines the best practices for collecting this data.
The upcoming Census will include these refined methods, ensuring that the data collected is both meaningful and representative of Australia’s LGBTQ+ community.
As Australia moves towards the 2026 Census, the decision to include a question on sexuality is seen as a critical step in recognising and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The data gathered will inform future policies and services, addressing the unique needs of this community and ensuring that all Australians are counted and acknowledged.
For advocates like Martin and Saini, this is more than just a bureaucratic change—it is a vital recognition of their identity and experiences, marking a significant moment in Australia’s journey toward inclusivity.
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