Explore the latest developments concerning Australia’s ‘most progressive’.
Australia’s ‘most progressive’ census comes at personal cost to April – but it means their family will finally be counted
August 11âs national census will for the first time include questions about sexual orientation, sex at birth and gender
Self-professed âdata nerdâ April Long was excited to fill in their first census after welcoming their son, Kai, to the world. But as they opened the 2021 survey, they quickly realised it wasnât made for them.
It excluded Longâs role as a parent, made assumptions about their gender and asked where Kaiâs mother and father were born â when he has two mums.
Many ârainbow familiesâ echoed similar experiences of the census being unable to fully capture the LGBTQ+ community.
Do you have to complete the 2026 Census? What happens if you don't?
SBS acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia.
The Census is run by the Australian government every five years — but Peter Doukas, chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA), believes it's important to remember this questionnaire is strictly "apolitical".
Since 1911, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has conducted the Census of Population and Housing, regardless of the political party in power. Data collected is used to inform decisions around the funding and location of schools, transport and health care services.
Doukas told SBS News the Census also provides valuable information on the demographic makeup of multicultural communities.
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2026 Census explained: Key date, how to fill it out, who needs to take part and potential fines
Census night is closing in and preparations to ensure every single person and household is counted are ramping up.
The survey, set to take place on Tuesday, August 11, is held every five years, providing a snapshot of the economic, social and cultural make-up of the nation and how it is evolving.
Australia’s largest collection of statistical data is used to guide planning for schools, healthcare, transport and other services, and informs the allocation of billions of dollars in Commonwealth funding.
Everyone in Australia on August 11 — including international tourists and even babies — needs to be included on a Census form.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Australia’s ‘most progressive’.
