Aussie Census Backflip – LGBTQ Counted – Intersex Excluded Though
The next national census in 2026, will include questions about sexuality and gender identity.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government will ask about gender identity and sexual orientation in the next big national survey. This means trans and gender-diverse people will be counted, along with information about sexual orientation.
But this is something of a backflip. Even though it is the governing party’s policy to include the questions in the census, it was announced the questions would not make it into the 2026 survey. However, backlash from government and opposition members, some sections of the Australian Bureau Of Statistics, and the the LGBTQIA+ community overturned the decision was reversed. Over 25,000 people signed a petition to make sure the community will be properly counted.
There’s still more to do, though. The government has said they won’t yet count intersex people. These are people born with different sex characteristics. Equality Australia says it will keep working to make sure everyone is included in the future.
The new questions about sexual orientation and gender identity still need to be approved by the Senate.
