InternationalTuesday, 11 August 2026·The Hindu - International
Australia census 2026 adds optional gender identity and sexual orientation questions
Australia’s August 11, 2026 census included optional questions on sexual orientation and gender identity for people aged 16 and above.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On August 11, 2026, Australia held its 66-question census and, for the first time, made optional questions on sexual orientation and gender identity available to household members aged 16 years and above.
Key specifics
- The census was held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and had 66 questions.
- It was the first census under a center-left Labor Party government since 2011.
- The optional questions applied to household members aged 16 years and above.
- Sexual orientation options included straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, don't know, and prefer not to answer.
- The religion question has been included in Australia’s census since 1911.
Exam lens
Question type: social policy and census facts, 66-question census, 16+ age group, 1911 religion question; TNPSC may ask which country first added optional gender and sexual orientation questions in its census.