Australia’s 2026 Census of Population and Housing introduced questions on sexual orientation and gender for the first time. The questions apply to people aged 16 and over, and respondents can choose not to answer either question.

The sexual orientation question includes options for straight, gay or lesbian and bisexual, along with a free-text option for another term. Respondents can also select “don’t know” or “prefer not to answer”. The gender question includes man, woman, non-binary, another term and “prefer not to answer”.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics said collecting information on sex recorded at birth alongside gender will improve data on transgender and gender-diverse populations. The questions were developed following public consultation, stakeholder engagement and testing.

The decision followed several years of debate over whether sexual orientation and gender should be included in the national census. The questions were considered for the 2024 census but were not included at that time. The Australian government later confirmed the new topic for the 2026 census.

Census information is used for government planning and the delivery of public services. According to the ABS, the new data can support planning in areas including health and social services and provide more detailed information about LGBTQ+ populations across Australia.

The ABS plans to begin releasing 2026 Census results in June 2027, in three stages. Data from the new sexual orientation and gender topic will form part of the subsequent releases.

Australia adds sexuality and gender to 2026 census