Australia asks about gender and sexual orientation in mandatory census for the first time

Australia is conducting its mandatory national census on August 11, 2026, a quinquennial exercise to capture the nation's demographic portrait. This year's census introduces a significant new feature: questions about gender identity and sexual orientation for individuals aged 16 and above.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) aims to gather national statistical data on the LGBTIQ+ population for the first time. This information is intended to be used for the development of public policies. Alongside these new questions, the census also asks about sex registered at birth, a detail previously included.

Participation in the census is compulsory for all individuals in Australia on the night of August 11, including citizens, foreign residents, international students, and visitors. Excluded are foreign diplomats and their families. Failure to complete the form can result in a fine of up to 364 Australian dollars per day of delay, while deliberately providing false or misleading information carries a penalty of up to 3,640 Australian dollars.

Reflecting Australia's diverse population, the census form also allows respondents to declare up to four ancestries, an increase from the two previously permitted. This data will be cross-referenced with information on country of birth, language, and other social indicators. The census continues to collect data on age, employment, education, religion, housing, and household composition, all of which inform government decisions on healthcare, education, transportation, infrastructure, and social services.

Australia's population was estimated at 27.8 million as of December 31, 2025, with migration being the primary driver of a 1.5% growth during that year. The census can be completed online or on paper, with approximately 30,000 workers deployed to reach remote communities and homeless individuals. The ABS assures that individual information is legally protected and inaccessible to other public agencies. Initial results from the census are scheduled for release in June 2027.