Advocating for the inclusion of gender and innate variations of sex characteristics in the 2026 Census

The role of the Census is to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the makeup of the Australian community. These data are critical for informing a wide range of programs, including those related to health. When populations are invisible in the Census, they are at increased risk of marginalisation and disadvantage.

We write as representatives of health research institutes with a strong focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI+) health, advocating for the inclusion of comprehensive demographic questions on sex, gender, innate variations of sex characteristics, and sexual orientation in the 2026 Census.

Read the full statement here