Australia’s census will include questions on gender and sexuality (Image: Getty Images)Sexual orientation and gender identity questions are included on Australia’s census for the first time, a major shift in how the country counts its population and understands LGBTQ+ communities. The 2026 census in Australia is held under the country’s centre-left Labor Party. Why census data mattersAustralia’s census is run by the ABS and is used to inform government planning, electoral boundaries, and service provision. Census questions can affect how policymakers measure inequality and allocate resources across health, housing, education, and community services. It’s reported that almost 28million people in Australia will take part in the census – including visitors and temporary visa holders.