LGB without the TIQ: PM says one additional question about sexuality to be added to Census

The announcement from the PM seems like a partial backflip, but leaves transgender and intersex people without representation in the census.

In a radio interview with the ABC, the Prime Minister partially reversed his decision to add the new sexuality and gender questions to the Census.

“We’ve been talking with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and they’re going to test for a new question, one question about sexuality, sexual preference”, Anthony Albanese said on ABC Radio this morning,

It is clear from this statement the government intends to exclude the questions that will allow Intersex and Transgender people to be counted in the 2026 Census.

Intersex advocate Tony Briffa said in a statement “Governments need reliable data to make decisions about the delivery of vital health and community services and yet the census doesn’t capture even the most basic information about how many people in Australia are born with biological variations of sex characteristics. “

“This impacts policy and service delivery on everything from health, family support and participation in sport.”

This is off the back of two Labor MP’s breaking ranks regarding the Census, and a joint open letter from 10 crossbenchers being released asking for LGBTQIA+ people to be counted in the census.

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 all 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 the inclusion of ALL the questions regarding trans and gender diverse people, as well as sexuality in the census. We all deserve to be counted.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]