25 Aug 2024 – The federal government has betrayed LGBTIQ+ people around the country who were hoping to be properly counted for the first time in the 2026 Census, Equality Australia says.
The federal government on Sunday confirmed that it would not be changing the topics for the next census, despite the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) including gender, sexual orientation and variations of sex characteristics in the proposed shortlist.
“The federal government has betrayed LGBTIQ+ people around Australia who will again be rendered invisible in 2026 because the census won’t ask appropriate questions about who they are and how they live,” said Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown.
“Our communities will continue to feel invisible and demeaned because the federal government hasn’t taken this opportunity to finally reflect the diversity of Australia and gather crucial information about the kinds of services people need.”
In the last census, LGBTIQ+ people who were single, trans and gender diverse, intersex or living in notionally heterosexual relationships were not counted because the census did not include questions on gender identity, sexual orientation and variations in sex characteristics.
The ABS issued a statement of regret last year acknowledging the hurt and distress this caused some people, following a human rights complaint brought by Equality Australia and non-binary parent April Long.
The ABS also made a raft of commitments, including an LGBTIQ+ Expert Advisory Committee to advise on topics, questions, analysis and dissemination of data for the next census in 2026.
“It is staggering that after all that work, the statement of regret and the clear need for relevant data, the federal government has made the call not to proceed with new topics,” Ms Brown said.
“Governments need reliable data to inform the delivery of vital services and make decisions about our future, and yet we still don’t know how many LGBTIQ+ people there are in Australia or where they live.”
Mx Long:
“Every person and every family deserve to be counted. The 2021 census rendered us invisible, and today’s decision ensures that invisibility extends into 2026 and beyond.
“Today’s outcome is devastating. After hearing the news, I had to look at my 3-year-old son knowing that when he starts school, I won’t be able to tell him how many kids are just like him with two mums.
“This isn’t just about numbers or data, it’s about our basic human right to be counted, recognised and valued. It’s about ensuring our census counts everyone.”
Media Contact: Tara Ravens, 0408 898 154, tara.ravens@equalityaustralia.org.au
For more information on the impacts of exclusion from the Census, click HERE.
