Australia will conduct its compulsory national census on Tuesday, Aug. 11 [1].
The data collection informs government policy, business strategies, and community group planning to determine where to build schools and infrastructure [2].
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is overseeing the nationwide effort [1]. For the first time, the census will include questions regarding sexual orientation and sex recorded at birth for respondents aged 16 and older [1].
Participation is mandatory for all residents. Failure to complete the form may result in a fine of $364 [1]. The ABS said that providing false or misleading information is an offence that can lead to a fine of up to $3,640 [3].
"Providing false or misleading information is considered an offence too, and can result in a fine of up to $3640," the ABS said [3].
The government plans to begin releasing the collected data in June 2027 [3]. Additional data regarding smaller, specialized topics will be released later in October 2027 [3].
“The 2026 census will include questions regarding sexual orientation and sex recorded at birth for respondents aged 16 and older.”
The inclusion of sexual orientation and birth-assigned sex markers represents a shift toward more granular demographic tracking in Australia. By expanding the data set, the government aims to better identify the specific needs of LGBTQ+ populations, which may lead to more targeted healthcare and social services in future budget cycles.
