Australia Excludes Gender, Sexuality from 2026 Census

The Australian government has decided not to include new topics on gender identity and sexual orientation in the 2026 census, citing concerns over potential divisiveness within the community. Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that retaining the existing set of questions is aimed at maintaining social cohesion, despite significant backlash from LGBTQIA+ advocates and crossbench MPs who argue that this decision will hinder the ability to accurately reflect and address the needs of these communities. Dr. Anna Cody, the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, expressed her disappointment, emphasizing that the lack of data would prevent adequate policy-making and service provision for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Critics, including Greens leader Adam Bandt, have accused the Labor government of hypocrisy for not following through on promised anti-discrimination reforms while condemning the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, as divisive. Crossbench MPs are demanding an explanation and calling for a reversal of the decision, highlighting that accurate census data is crucial for informed public policy. The government has not provided a clear rationale for this controversial move, leaving many in the LGBTQIA+ community feeling excluded.