For the first time, the Australian Census will include questions on sexual orientation and gender. These new questions are complemented by improvements to the existing question on sex to better reflect the diversity of people and communities in Australia. The Census will take place on Tuesday 11 August 2026. 

The questions are based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation (the 2020 Standard) and underwent rigorous testing throughout the Census development process. 

LHA Chief Executive Officer Nicky Bath said the 2026 Census marks a significant milestone in Australia's data collection and understanding of LGBTQ communities. 

"For too long, Australia has had limited national data about LGBTQ populations. The 2026 Census will provide information that can help governments, researchers, service providers and community organisations better understand LGBTQ communities and respond to their needs.” 

"While LGBTQ people live happy and healthy lives, many continue to experience health and wellbeing disparities, including poorer health outcomes, mental health challenges and suicidality, experiences of violence and barriers to accessing safe and affirming healthcare. Data collected through the Census will help build a more complete understanding of LGBTQ communities across Australia and support better planning, policy development, research and investment in service delivery." 

"By 2027, Australia will have access to an unprecedented body of data about its LGBTQ people and communities. The insights generated from this Census will shape research, policy and service planning for years to come." 

The changes are the culmination of years of advocacy by LHA and many other community organisations, researchers and advocates who have consistently highlighted the need for more accurate national data about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and other sexual orientations, gender, and bodily diverse (LGBTIQ+) people. LHA and the broader sector have worked in close partnership with the ABS to develop the new questions through the 2026 Census LGBTIQ+ Expert Advisory Group.  

Bath said the Census changes represented the outcome of sustained advocacy across the community sector. 

"These changes have not happened by accident. They are the result of tireless work by LHA and many others who have worked with governments and the ABS over many years to demonstrate why better data matters." 

LHA acknowledges that some community members remain concerned about how certain questions in the 2026 Census have been framed, and notes ongoing concern about the absence of a dedicated question on innate variations of sex characteristics and the decision to restrict sexual orientation and gender questions to people aged 16 and over. Addressing these gaps will remain an important priority for future advocacy and Census development. 

"LHA will continue advocating for future Census collections to include a question on innate variations of sex characteristics, and to review age restrictions which currently exclude LGBTIQ+ people under 16 years.”  

“We also call for a review and update of the 2020 Standard to support improvements to future Census collections, as well as other national datasets and research." 

Bath said these issues should not diminish the significance of the progress that has been achieved. 

"While some aspects of the Census remain challenging, we cannot overlook the historic significance of these reforms and the richness of the data that will become available." 

For many LGBTQ people, these changes are not only about better data. They are about visibility, recognition and ensuring our communities are reflected in one of Australia's most important national collections of population information. 

LHA encourages people seeking more information about the 2026 Census changes to visit the LHA Census Hub and the Australian Bureau of Statistics' dedicated Census resources page.