#CountUsIn - Labor MP's break ranks on LGBTQIA+ Exclusion from 2026 Census
Additionally, the government gets a bigger backlash than expected from Independent MP's and the Greens.
Labor MP’s Peter Khalil & Josh Burns have broken ranks and called for the inclusion of the new ABS Gender & Sexuality questions in the 2026 census. The Federal Government announced last weekend they would not be included to avoid a divisive debate.
Speaking to the ABC, Labor MP Josh Burns said “I think that the census is a really important tool to be able to gather data, to be able to gather information, that feeds into the delivery of government services”. “We should be asking questions that reflect the depth and breadth of the Australian community.”
The decision has also been criticised by independent MPs and the Greens, with an open letter signed by 11 independent MPs and Senators urging the Federal Government to reverse it.
The updated questions would have allowed proper counting of Transgender, Gender Diverse, Intersex people, as well as accurate counting of sexuality.
What can you do?
Sign the Petition
Equality Australia is running a campaign called #CountUsIn. You can sign their petition here: CountUsin - Equality Australia
Write to your MP & relevant ministers
You can find your local member here. I’ve prepared a short email you can write to your minister urging them to #CountUsIn. If you have time, take some time to adjust it, introduce yourself, or even write your own.
Dear [MP's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I’m reaching out as one of your constituents to express my concern about the exclusion of LGBTQIA+ people from the upcoming 2026 Census.
As you know, the census is crucial for understanding the needs of all Australians. By leaving out questions about sexual orientation and gender identity, we’re missing out on vital data that could help improve government and organisations services, especially for trans and gender-diverse individuals who often face significant challenges.
This decision feels like a step backward, especially after the Australian Bureau of Statistics acknowledged the harm caused by similar omissions in 2021. It’s disheartening to see this issue not being addressed, despite clear evidence of its importance.
I’m asking for your support in advocating for the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ questions in the 2026 Census. It’s essential that our community is properly counted so that we can receive the services and recognition we deserve.
Thank you for your time and for representing our community.
Sincerely,
Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Hon Mark Butler MP
Dear Minister Butler,
I’m writing to urge you to advocate within your party to include LGBTQIA+ people in the 2026 Census. Leaving us out is not just a data issue—it erases our community and makes it harder to get the services we need, especially for trans and gender-diverse people who already face significant challenges.
Without accurate data, it's impossible for our health systems to properly support our health and wellbeing. The ABS acknowledged the harm caused by our exclusion in 2021, but this decision feels like history repeating itself.
Please advocate for our inclusion in the census. We deserve to be counted.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]