Census will now include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity

By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

The Albanese government has shifted again on the 2026 census, now saying it will include questions on both sexual orientation and gender identity.

In its latest iteration, the government announced on Sunday the census would include “a new topic of sexual orientation and gender”.

Originally the government ruled out any new questions, arguing they would be divisive.

After a backlash from the LGBTIQ+ community, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there would be one question on “sexuality”. He did not spell out the detail. But pressure on the government continued,…

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