Joint Statement in support of the inclusion of three new topics on gender, variations of sex characteristics, and sexual orientation variables into the 2026 Census

We, the undersigned, call on the Commonwealth Government to end the current uncertainty and unhelpful discourse about the introduction of three new topics on gender, innate variations of sex characteristics and sexual orientation into the 2026 Census and allow the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to do its job and complete its processes.

The ABS developed the Standard for Sex, Gender, Variation of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 ('2020 Standard') to standardise the collection and dissemination of data relating to sex, gender, sex characteristics and sexual orientation. These questions are not complicated and are already being used in some national and jurisdictional government and non-government studies and data sets. In July this year, the National Health and Medical Research Council and Department of Health and Aged Care (responsible for implementation of the Medical Research Future Fund) released a Statement on Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation in Health and Medical Research. The Statement aligns with the ABS 2020 Standard to promote the standardised collection and dissemination of statistical data to ensure that health and medical research produces an evidence base that is relevant to all people in Australia.

The absence of relevant Census data for LGBTIQ+ populations means that health policy, programs and services cannot be accurately targeted, leading to increased healthcare costs and inefficient use of public resources. Meaningful inclusion of these topics in the Census is essential as there are no alternative data sources or solutions available to politicians, bureaucrats, researchers and health practitioners that meet the need for health and social planning. Census data is best placed to provide detailed socio-economic analysis, information on small geographic/regional areas and long-term trends.

We ask all Members of Parliament to set aside political differences and focus on prioritising health and wellbeing above all else. Data is imperative for evidence-based policy, leading to better outcomes for all Australians.

We call on the Australian Government to support the necessity of including all three topic areas. In the same way that asking a gender question will not collect information on sexual orientation and vice versa it is not possible to collect information on people with innate variations of sex characteristics through a question on gender or sexual orientation.

Only by asking separate questions on innate variations of sex characteristics, sexual orientation and gender will data on these populations be captured with meaning and purpose. Australia must not lag behind other countries in recognising and addressing the needs of all through comprehensive and inclusive data collection.

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