Government’s Census Decision Leaves LGBTQIA+ Community Feeling Betrayed And Invisible
The Australian federal government’s decision not to include questions about gender identity, sexual orientation, and variations in sex characteristics in the 2026 Census has left the LGBTQIA+ community feeling overlooked. Despite the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) proposing these topics, the government has chosen not to proceed, sparking disappointment and frustration.
“Our Communities Will Continue to Feel Invisible and Demeaned”
Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia, expressed her dismay: “The federal government has betrayed LGBTQIA+ people around Australia who will again be rendered invisible in 2026 because the census won’t ask appropriate questions about who they are and how they live.
“This decision means the community will continue to feel invisible and demeaned, missing a chance to reflect Australia’s diversity and gather crucial information for services.”
Health Implications and Data Gaps
LGBTQIA+ Health Australia has voiced concerns about the long-term effects of this decision. Nicky Bath, CEO of LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, called it “baffling,” highlighting how it perpetuates significant data gaps needed to address health and wellbeing disparities. Without accurate data, the community’s health needs remain unmet, affecting lives for years to come.
Dr. Morgan Carpenter, CEO of Intersex Human Rights Australia, added that without meaningful inclusion in the census, the data collected will be meaningless. This lack of reliable data hampers efforts to improve health outcomes for those with intersex variations and diverse gender identities.
“Every Person and Every Family Deserve to Be Counted”
Mx Long, a non-binary parent, shared their personal disappointment: “Every person and every family deserve to be counted. The 2021 census rendered us invisible, and today’s decision ensures that invisibility extends into 2026 and beyond.” This decision impacts families, leaving them without representation and recognition.
A Day of Shame for the Government
For over a decade, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia and Intersex Human Rights Australia have worked with the ABS to develop data models that respectfully count diverse communities. The decision to disregard this work is seen as a setback that will negatively impact people’s lives for many years. The next opportunity to capture this crucial data will be in 2032, risking another decade of inadequate health data.
Greens MP Stephen Bates described the decision as a betrayal to LGBTQIA+ voters, echoing the sentiment of many in the community. Equality Australia also labeled it a betrayal, emphasising the missed opportunity to gather essential data for future planning and services.
The decision has left a significant part of the Australian population feeling let down, with real-life consequences for health and wellbeing. As the community continues to advocate for recognition and inclusion, the call for meaningful data remains more critical than ever.
Join the #CountUsIn2026 Campaign
Equality Australia has launched a petition called #CountUsIn2026, urging the ABS and Albanese Government to include LGBTQIA+ people in the 2026 Census. The campaign emphasises that every person counts and should be recognised for who they are. It calls for the inclusion of questions on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations of sex characteristics. Supporters can sign the petition at https://equalityaustralia.org.au/our-work/countusin/ to help ensure that LGBTQIA+ people are properly counted and their needs are recognised in future government planning and services.
