A question on sexual orientation will be tested for inclusion in the 2026 Census, after the Government walked back its announcement earlier this week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC radio this morning the Government had reconsidered its decision.
“We’ve been talking with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and they’re going to test for a new [census] question, one question about sexuality, sexual preference.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaking to ABC radio
Sexual orientation in the 2026 Census
At least six Government MPs spoke out about the Government’s earlier decision, including Labor MP Josh Burns.
I am proud to represent the LGBTIQA+ community in Macnamara. They deserve to be counted in the Census. The data collected in the Census helps with Government decision-making, and the delivery of services, and therefore I think we should reconsider the questions we put forward in the 2026 Census.
Labor MP Josh Burns
