Big Brother Australia veteran David Graham has voiced his concerns regarding the order of ethnic groups presented in the 2026 Australian census, questioning if the arrangement might deter participants from identifying as Australian.

Graham shared an image from the census on Wednesday, which listed eight common ethnic groups in descending order. Torres Strait Islander, English, and Irish were placed at the top, with 'Australian' appearing eighth, just above 'other.' He expressed his bewilderment on social media, asking if the question was designed to discourage Australians from selecting their most common ethnicity.

"Mmmmmmmm is it just me or is this year's census questions set up to dissuade Aussies from choosing Australia's most common ethnicity... which as far as I knew was Australian?" Graham wrote. He urged people to "check it... let's be counted!"

Comments on Graham's post were divided. Some users agreed with his observation, noting that 'Australia' was not at the top of the list in what is a census for Australia. Others suggested the order of ethnic groups was randomized online and not intended to influence responses. One user commented, "It's randomised. Mine had Australia on top." Another stated, "It's a random order. It isn't dissuading you from anything."

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducts the census every five years to gather data on population growth, housing, and demographics. This year's census introduced several changes, including asking about sexual orientation for the first time and altering the gender question to inquire about "sex recorded at birth." Australians can now list up to four ancestries, an increase from the previous limit of two, to better accommodate those with complex family backgrounds.

The census will not ask about the number of children ever born, a question that is now restricted to every second census and will reappear in 2031. According to the ABS, these modifications are intended to capture Australia's increasing cultural diversity and provide insights into the experiences of LGBTQ+ Australians.

The census, which took place on August 11, required completion by all individuals in Australia, including citizens, permanent residents, international visitors, students, and those on temporary visas.