Australia's 2026 Census to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Questions

The Albanese government reverses its initial decision after backlash from the LGBTIQ+ community, ensuring representation in national data collection.

The questions will be optional and only asked of individuals aged 16 and over.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will design and test the new questions.
The government initially excluded these questions to avoid divisive debates.
Intersex status questions will not be included due to technical complexities.
Equality Australia supports the move, calling it a moral and pragmatic decision.