Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces that a question on sexuality will be tested for the 2026 census, reversing an earlier decision to exclude it amid internal dissent from labour MPs

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reversed his earlier decision to omit a question on sexuality from the next national census. The move follows significant internal backlash from within the Labor Party and broader criticism about the exclusion of LGBT Australians from the survey.

Earlier this week, the federal government had announced that it would not include a new question on sexuality in the 2026 census, citing concerns that such a question could lead to “divisive” debates. This decision sparked an internal revolt among Labor MPs, including Assistant Minister Ged Kearney, who criticized the exclusion as a disregard for the LGBT community and a potential human rights issue.

In response to the growing dissent, Albanese has now confirmed that a question on sexuality will be tested for inclusion in the upcoming census. Speaking on ABC Radio Melbourne, Albanese described the decision to test the question as a “commonsense position.” He emphasized that the inclusion of the question would depend on the results of the testing phase conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers had previously expressed reservations about adding the question, fearing it could become a contentious issue. This stance, however, did not sit well with several members of the Labor Party, who argued that including the question was crucial for recognizing and validating the experiences of LGBT Australians.

The controversy surrounding the census question is part of a broader wave of internal dissent facing the Albanese government. This incident follows a recent period of discord within the party, highlighting ongoing tensions over various policy decisions.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody criticized the government’s initial decision, describing it as “patronizing and paternalistic.” Cody’s comments reflect a wider sentiment that the exclusion of the question could undermine efforts to ensure that all Australians are counted and represented accurately in national data.

In contrast, some Coalition MPs expressed surprise at the backlash, suggesting that they had no objections to the proposed changes. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who had earlier dismissed the inclusion of new census questions as part of a “woke agenda,” expressed ambivalence about the reversal. Dutton stated that while he was open to the idea of new questions if justified, he perceived Albanese’s approach as inconsistent and lacking clarity.

Equality Australia welcomed the decision to test the question, but raised concerns about whether it would include diverse gender identities and sex characteristics. CEO Anna Brown emphasized the importance of aligning with international practices, citing examples from the United Kingdom, Canada, Scotland, and New Zealand, where LGBT communities are already counted in national censuses.

The Greens have pledged to pursue the issue further when Parliament reconvenes next month. They plan to push for additional questions on gender identities and sex characteristics, unless the government commits to including these aspects in the census.

As the debate continues, the Albanese government faces the challenge of balancing internal party dynamics with public expectations, ensuring that the census reflects the diverse makeup of Australian society.

Analysis:

Political: The reversal by Prime Minister Albanese underscores the impact of internal party dissent on policy decisions. The initial exclusion of the LGBT question faced strong opposition from within the Labor Party, revealing a significant rift between party leadership and its members. This episode highlights the challenges Albanese faces in navigating political pressures and maintaining party unity while addressing public and minority group concerns.

Social: The debate over including a question on sexuality in the census reflects broader societal discussions about recognition and inclusion of LGBT individuals. The backlash against the initial decision demonstrates a growing demand for visibility and representation of marginalized communities in national statistics. This controversy also underscores the importance of aligning public policies with the evolving social values and needs of diverse populations.

Racial: Although the issue primarily revolves around LGBT representation, it intersects with broader discussions about diversity and inclusion. The debate raises questions about how different minority groups are represented in national data and whether existing frameworks adequately capture the experiences of all Australians. The inclusion of sexuality in the census could set a precedent for addressing other aspects of diversity.

Gender: The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about gender and sexuality in public policy. The initial decision to omit the question was criticized for being insensitive to gender and sexuality issues, reflecting a broader struggle to address gender diversity in national surveys. The push for including diverse gender identities and sex characteristics in the census aligns with efforts to ensure that all gender-related experiences are acknowledged and counted.

Economic: The decision to include a sexuality question in the census has economic implications for the government and related sectors. Accurate data on LGBT populations can inform targeted policy-making and resource allocation, impacting various areas such as health services and social support. Additionally, the handling of the issue may affect public trust and confidence in government institutions, potentially influencing broader economic and political stability.