Albanese government confirms major change to the 2026 census
- Major change coming in the upcoming 2026 census
- Questions about sexuality and gender should be included
Finance Minister Jim Chalmers has confirmed that the 2026 Census will include questions on sexuality and gender.
Following backlash over the government’s decision to exclude such questions, breaking an election promise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said late last month that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) was testing “a new question”.
Mr Chalmers, the minister responsible for ABS, confirmed on Sunday that the government was doing a somersault.
“We’re adding a new topic that encompasses both sexual orientation and gender,” he told Insiders.
“That will be the first time in the 2026 census.”
He said the government had “listened to the community.”
“LGBTQI+ Australians matter. They have been heard and they will count in the 2026 Census,” the Finance Minister said.
Mr Chalmers previously said he was concerned questions could be used as a “weapon” in comments to justify the government’s decision to exclude them.
Following backlash over the government’s decision to exclude such questions, breaking an election promise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said late last month that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) was testing “a new question”
“LGBTQI+ Australians matter. They have been heard and they will count in the 2026 Census,” said Treasurer Jim Chalmers
Anna Cody, the sex discrimination commissioner, criticised him, calling his comments “patronising”.
“We had good intentions, we listened to the community and we worked with the ABS. We said we would find the best solution,” Dr Chalmers said on Sunday.
‘We believe in the importance of genuinely listening, working with the ABS and the community and advising.’
Several Labour MPs broke ties with the government over the initial decision to exclude the questions.