{"id":232845,"date":"2024-09-08T17:14:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-08T07:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/starobserver.com.au\/?p=232845"},"modified":"2024-09-08T17:14:44","modified_gmt":"2024-09-08T07:14:44","slug":"government-announces-new-decision-to-include-lgbtqia-census-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.starobserver.com.au\/news\/government-announces-new-decision-to-include-lgbtqia-census-questions\/232845","title":{"rendered":"Government Announces New Decision To Include LGBTQIA+ Census Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Australian government has today announced the decision to reinstate questions about sexual orientation and gender in the 2026 Census, a significant win for the LGBTQIA+ community following weeks of controversy.<\/p>\n

Originally, the government quietly scrapped the inclusion of these questions<\/a>, triggering widespread backlash<\/a> from the community and Labor\u2019s own caucus.<\/p>\n

This U-turn is seen as a pivotal step toward accurately counting and addressing the needs of LGBTQIA+ Australians.<\/p>\n

Government backflips on census questions for LGBTQIA+ Australians<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Initially, there was frustration and disappointment when the government decided not to proceed with testing questions related to gender identity and sexual orientation.<\/p>\n

The decision, which appeared to stem from concerns that such questions might provoke a “culture war<\/a>,” angered advocacy groups and many within the LGBTQIA+ community.<\/p>\n

The move contradicted a key election promise by Labor to prioritise inclusion in the Census.<\/p>\n

After facing pressure from various advocacy organisations and key figures in the community, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that at least one question on sexual orientation would be included<\/a>, though this announcement fell short of the original expectations.<\/p>\n

However today Treasurer Jim Chalmers has confirmed on Insiders<\/em> that the 2026 Census will now feature a whole new topic on gender identity and sexual orientation, ensuring more comprehensive data collection.<\/p>\n

\u201cLGBTIQ+ Australians matter, they have been heard, and they will count in the 2026 Census<\/em>,\u201d Chalmers stated.<\/p>\n

We had good intentions and we listened to the community and we worked with the ABS and we said that we would find the best way through and I believe that we have,<\/em>” he explained on the program.<\/p>\n

The government’s role here is the topics. The ABS does the questions. They will continue to work in a professional and diligent and sensitive way with the community to make sure we get this right. I’m confident that we will.<\/em>“<\/p>\n

The government will leave the final wording of the questions to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which has been working closely with the community to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in the phrasing.<\/p>\n

The original draft questions which were scrapped had not been revealed to the public following the initial decision. However the ABC has revealed<\/a> the questions that were allegedly set to appear in the 2026 census.<\/p>\n

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  1. What is the person’s gender?<\/strong>\n