The value of collecting LGBTIQ+ data in the Census

Released: 13/09/2024

The Census of Population and Housing provides a detailed and high-quality picture of Australian society. 

There are always more requests for topics and questions than can be accommodated in the Census. The ABS prioritises topics by considering the public value of this data. The ABS then assesses if data could be feasibly collected in the Census. 

The ABS assessed that data on the LGBTIQ+ community had high public value. This assessment was informed by over 400 pieces of feedback received through a two-phase public consultation process that occurred in 2023. 

The feedback was received from all levels of government, from businesses, community groups, advocacy groups, academics and individuals. It included examples of how data on the LGBTIQ+ community would contribute to informed policy and planning, resource allocation and program delivery at both the national and local level.

For example, feedback pointed to:

• Research that people who are transgender and gender diverse, and people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, experience poorer physical and mental health outcomes, lower access to secure housing, and are at an increased risk of poverty, discrimination and violence. Analysis of Census data on the geographic location of these population groups would inform service delivery. 
• The unique and complex medical needs of people with variations of sex characteristics, and the analysis of data on variations of sex characteristics with other Census variables would also inform service delivery.
• The collection of information on gender would be in line with the 2013 Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender which recommends that Australian Government departments should collect information about a person’s gender rather than about a person’s sex.

Following analysis of 2021 Census data, the ABS has assessed that the Census would likely collect better quality data of a person’s sex if data on gender was also collected. Some people report their gender if they are asked only about their sex. The inclusion of questions on both sex recorded at birth and gender also enables the transgender population to be counted in the Census.   

Having identified the value of collecting data on gender, sexual orientation and variations of sex characteristics in the 2026 Census, the ABS commenced testing to understand the feasibility of collecting this data. 

More information on the criteria used to assess topics for the 2026 Census, can be found in  2026 Census topic assessment criteria. 

More information on testing can be found in 2026 Census content testing program. 

For further information on the assessment public value, see the 2026 Census topic review: Phase one directions publication.

Phase one submissions, where consent was provided, are available on the ABS Consultation Hub.

Phase two submissions, where consent was provided, are available on the ABS Consultation Hub.

For media requests and interviews, contact ABS Media at media@abs.gov.au or call 1300 175 070.