Leading Australian health experts are expressing frustration after the federal government decided to exclude important LGBTQI+ questions from the upcoming census. This decision, they argue, undermines critical research and understanding of trans and gender-diverse populations. The questions, which have already been successfully used in smaller surveys, were rejected by Labor officials as being “too complex,” sparking concerns from prominent health bodies.
Advocates argue that without population-wide data on sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status, the government will continue to miss essential information that could inform health and social policies. “These questions are far from complex,” says Dr. Bridget Haire, a senior research fellow at the Kirby Institute. She points out that similar questions have been asked in health surveys administered by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and have been well-received. The census, however, offers a broader and more comprehensive dataset that smaller surveys simply cannot match.
Haire explains that trans and gender-diverse populations remain under-researched and underserved, partly because of the lack of accurate data. Without this information, public health experts are left with significant gaps in knowledge, making it difficult to understand the needs of these communities fully. She emphasizes that precise, inclusive data is essential for addressing the disparities faced by LGBTQ+ people, especially in terms of health outcomes. Health institutes, including the Kirby Institute and the Australian Human Rights Institute, are urging the government to reconsider its decision, stressing that this data is “critical for identifying health needs.”
While the government has committed to including a question on sexual orientation in the 2026 census, advocates worry this is not enough. They argue that if the current approach continues, entire communities will remain invisible in national statistics, contributing to continued marginalization. For LGBTQ+ Australians, accurate census data is more than just numbers; it’s about recognition, support, and ensuring that their health and social needs are met.