Australia's Census Includes Questions on Gender and Sexual Orientation for First Time

For the first time, Australia's national census is asking residents about their gender identity and sexual orientation. This inclusion marks a significant step in recognizing and collecting data on the country's LGBTQ+ population.

The census, comprising 66 questions, is being conducted nationwide under the center-left Labor government. The decision to include these questions was a reversal of a previous stance where they were temporarily removed due to concerns they were "polarizing." The questions are intended for individuals aged 16 and over.

Options for sexual orientation include heterosexual, gay or lesbian, bisexual, "don't know," or "prefer not to say," along with a write-in option. For gender identity, respondents can identify as male, female, non-binary, or use a write-in option, alongside "don't know" and "prefer not to say." These questions, like religious affiliation, are optional.

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We do not want to spark debates that would cause divisions in the community.

The Labor party had pledged to include these questions during their 2022 election campaign. However, the government initially decided against it in 2024, citing a desire to maintain social cohesion. This decision faced sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ activists and some Labor lawmakers, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to confirm their inclusion.

David Gruen, Chief Statistician at the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), noted significant public interest in collecting this data. He acknowledged that while important to some, others prefer not to share such information. The ABS anticipates most responses will be submitted online, with paper forms also available. Field staff are assisting homeless and remote populations, and failure to participate can result in daily fines.

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For a part of the population, collecting this data is very important. But for other people, it is information that they simply do not want to share.