By Lewis Jackson
SYDNEY (Multibagger) - In a groundbreaking move, Australia has announced that it will include questions on sexual orientation and gender in its 2026 census for the first time. This decision comes after a week of controversy over the exclusion of these questions by the centre-left Labor government.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed on Sunday that the upcoming census will feature questions on sexual orientation and gender, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) tasked with designing them. The inclusion of these questions is a result of listening to the LGBTIQ+ community and acknowledging their importance.
"We have listened to the LGBTIQ+ community to make sure that we can work with the ABS to deliver this really important change when it comes to the 2026 census," said Chalmers. "We say to Australians from the LGBTIQ+ community: you matter, you've been heard, you will be counted."
It is important to note that the questions will be optional and will only be asked of individuals over 16 years of age. This decision marks a reversal of the government's earlier choice to exclude questions about LGBTIQ+ identity in the census.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles had previously stated that the government wanted to avoid sparking divisive debates and denied any political motives behind the initial exclusion. However, the decision has now been reversed, aligning Australia with countries like the United Kingdom, which added an optional question on sexual orientation in its 2021 census.
Analysis:
The inclusion of questions on sexual orientation and gender in the 2026 census is a significant step towards ensuring the representation and recognition of the LGBTIQ+ community in Australia. By allowing individuals to self-identify and be counted, the government is sending a message of inclusivity and acceptance.
For investors and financial markets, this decision may signal a shift towards a more progressive and inclusive society, which could have implications for businesses and organizations that prioritize diversity and equality. It also reflects a growing awareness of social issues and a willingness to address them in official data collection.
Overall, the inclusion of these questions in the census serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the impact it can have on policy-making and societal attitudes. It paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse Australia, where every individual is seen and heard.