LGBTIQ+ Expert Advisory Committee for the 2026 Census

The ABS has a long history of working with representatives of the LGBTIQ+ community to understand and address data needs. The ABS formed the LGBTIQ+ Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) for the 2026 Census, in line with the commitments made in the resolution of a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission relating to the 2021 Census. The EAC first met on 28 September 2023.  

The Committee’s views are sought on the following areas, in relation to the LGBTIQ+ people and the 2026 Census: 

• development and testing of proposed new or changed content, including development of question wording 
• community consultation 
• testing of Census content, questions and procedures  
• respectful, safe and accessible language  
• instructions, supporting guidance and educational materials 
• the processing and analysis of data 
• the dissemination of data collected.

Members have experience across the following dimensions relevant to LGBTIQ+ people: legal and human rights issues; health, wellbeing and family structures; research methodology into LGBTIQ+ populations; and diversity within the LGBTIQ+ community. 

Members have relevant experience in research, policy, program delivery, and service provision for LGBTIQ+ people.  

Members come from peak bodies for LGBTIQ+ people, academic and research institutions, medical institutions and Government agencies. There are also individual representatives who provide personal perspectives and lived experience. 

EAC meets virtually as needed.  

EAC members also work in sub-groups on specific aspects of the Census that meet more regularly.  

Each subgroup comprises members with expertise relevant to the topic.  

The ABS intends for the EAC to continue until the first release of 2026 Census data, currently scheduled for June 2027.