Australia adds optional gender identity and sexual orientation questions to census
The updated occupation list adds 300 jobs, including content creators and cybersecurity analysts, to better capture Australia’s modern workforce, ABS chief statistician Dr David Gruen said.
- The Australian Bureau of Statistics launched the 2026 Census on Tuesday, marking the first major update to its Occupation Standard Classification in 20 years. The $23.7 million review adds about 300 new job titles while retiring approximately 250 obsolete roles.
- Chief Statistician Dr. David Gruen led the review, which spanned over 200 days and involved more than 2,000 groups and 800 submissions. The updated framework removes gendered language such as "man" and "woman" from job titles and better incorporates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander occupations.
- New classifications better reflect contemporary roles, including cybersecurity analysts and influencers categorized as "content creators." Design Institute of Australia chief executive Simone LeAmon noted design's formal recognition represents its $67.5 billion annual economic contribution.
- Accurate occupation data helps governments and researchers target policies, funding, and training investments. Charles Darwin University demographer Professor Andrew Taylor emphasized this evidence is essential for developing effective services across housing, health, and education.
- Beyond employment statistics, the five-yearly Census tracks how challenges from the past five years—including COVID-19 and rising living costs—have shaped Australian families and communities. Taylor noted the data provides a comprehensive picture guiding future policy and planning.
37 Articles
37 Articles
Australia's 2026 Census adds sexuality and gender questions for the first time
Adults aged 16 and over can now voluntarily provide information about their identity The post Australia’s 2026 Census adds sexuality and gender questions for the first time appeared first on Attitude.
Australia's census to include sexuality and gender questions
The move could improve how need is measured for health, housing and community support, while raising fresh questions about privacy and trust. The post Australia adds sexuality and gender identity to census for first time ever appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.
Starting today, for the first time in the population census, Australian citizens will be able to declare their sexual orientation and gender, that is, to report whether they identify with a different gender than the one at birth.
Those who do not complete the form or provide false information will face economic sanctions.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
