Treasurer Jim Chalmers says LGBTQ+ community ‘will count’ in survey with new topic covering sexual orientation and gender to be included
People take part in a pride march over the Sydney Harbour Bridge in March 2023. The 2026 census will include a new single topic on gender and sexual orientation, the treasurer announced on Sunday.People take part in a pride march over the Sydney Harbour Bridge in March 2023. The 2026 census will include a new single topic on gender and sexual orientation, the treasurer announced on Sunday.
The decision blindsided LGBTQ+ advocates, who had been working with the ABS to craft new questions in line with a Labor election promise to add topics to the five-yearly census, after a protest that the Morrison government had excluded them in 2021. “The prime minister was talking about making one change and that’s what we’re doing,” Chalmers said on Sunday. “We’re introducing a topic for the first time which covers both sexual orientation and gender. The ABS will find the best way to do that.”
Chalmers said the government “had good intentions” in deciding initially not to proceed. But he acknowledged the move had not been well received in the LGBTQ+ community. “These questions will only be asked of people aged 16 and over, and the ABS has told the government that people will have the option not to answer,” Leigh said.
The proposed third extra question, now abandoned, would have asked about reproductive organs and hormones.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australian winter althetes in full training mode ahead of 2026 Winter OlympicsWhile 'summer sports' athletes have been competing at the Paris Olympics, winter athletes like Boris Standish are busy preparing to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Read more »
Commonwealth Games revived for 2026 as Glasgow set to replace Victoria as host city7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
‘Reached an agreement’: Surprise saviour as former host city steps in to save 2026 Comm GamesOlympics: A crossover no one expected, global superstar Adele stopped her most recent concert in Germany to talk about Australia's 'Raygun' and her breakdancing in Paris.
Read more »
Inflation here to stay says RBA as target delayed to 2026The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has warned inflation will be “slow to decline” with the return to target levels delayed.
Read more »
Government accused of 'betraying' LGBTIQ+ community over 2026 Census omissionsIn 2023, the Australian Bureau of Statistics vowed that the LGBTIQ+ community would be better represented in the next Census. Now, it has been revealed questions will remain unchanged.
Read more »
Lego plans to make half the plastic in bricks from renewable materials by 2026Toymaker hopes to bring down oil-based plastic it uses by paying up to 70% more for certified renewable resin to encourage production
Read more »