Albanese government confirms major change to the 2026 census

  • Huge change coming to upcoming 2026 census
  • Questions on sexuality and gender to be included 

By JOSEPH OLBRYCHT-PALMER FOR NCA NEWSWIRE

Published: | Updated:

The 2026 census will include questions on sexuality and gender, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has confirmed.

Following backlash over the government's election to exclude such questions, breaking an election promise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said late last month the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) was testing 'a new question'.

Mr Chalmers, the minister responsible for the ABS, confirmed on Sunday the government was backflipping on its backflip.

'We'll be adding a new topic which covers 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 Treasurer said.

Mr Chalmers previously said he was worried questions could be 'weaponised' in remarks justifying the government's decision to exclude them.

Following backlash over the government's election to exclude such questions, breaking an election promise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said late last month the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) was testing 'a new question'

Following backlash over the government's election to exclude such questions, breaking an election promise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said late last month 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,' Treasurer Jim Chalmers said

'LGBTQI+ Australians matter. They have been heard and they will count in the 2026 census,' Treasurer Jim Chalmers said

He was lambasted by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody, who called his comments 'patronising'.

'We had good intentions and we listened to the community and we worked with the ABS and we said that we would find the best way through,' Dr Chalmers said on Sunday.

'We believe that in listening and in working with the ABS and the community and consulting in a really genuine way.'

Several Labor MPs broke ranks with the government over its initial decision to exclude the questions.

Anthony AlbaneseJim Chalmers

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