The Australian census, conducted every five years to track population growth, housing, and demographics, will include a question on sexual orientation for the first time in its upcoming iteration. This change marks one of the most significant updates in the census's history.
Australians aged 16 and over will be asked about their sexual orientation, including their sexual identity and attraction. Additionally, the wording of the gender question has been updated to ask for a person's 'sex recorded at birth'.
In parallel, the census will no longer ask about the 'number of children ever born'. This question will now be restricted to every second census, with its next appearance scheduled for 2031. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) stated that these modifications are intended to better reflect Australia's increasing cultural diversity and to gather valuable data on the experiences of LGBTQ+ Australians. The ABS also noted that individuals can now list up to four ancestries on their census form, an increase from the previous limit of two, to accommodate those with more complex family backgrounds.
Despite the ABS's rationale, some demographers have expressed concerns that the removal of the 'children ever born' question could hinder the tracking of trends related to childless women, single-child families, and overall family sizes. Social analyst and demographer Mark McCrindle commented that the debate surrounding these changes risks overshadowing the census's primary purpose, stating that the census has historically been free of political influence. He anticipates that the changes, occurring amidst a broader cultural reevaluation of identity, will be an interesting development in the national conversation.
The next census is scheduled for August 11. Completion is mandatory for all individuals in Australia, including citizens, permanent residents, international visitors, students, and those on temporary visas. Households have begun receiving instructions for the census, and non-compliance can result in fines. The ABS has indicated that the goal of the changes is to provide a more accurate and inclusive snapshot of the Australian population.