The Federal Government's announcement today that questions on sexuality and gender identity will be included in the 2026 Census is incredibly important.
Collecting this data will support better service provision and improve outcomes for members of our communities whose existence has historically been under-recognised and underrepresented.
Questions for the 2026 Census however, do not include intersex people.
People with innate variations in sex characteristics are part of our LGBTIQA+ communities and always have been, but all too often their existence and needs are overlooked and misunderstood.
They also deserve to be counted, and Victoria will continue to advocate for their recognition and protection.
By gathering baseline Census data about people with innate variations in sex characteristics, we can ensure that all of our LGBTIQA+ communities have evidence-based opportunities to access the dignity, safety and fairness that we all deserve.
I look forward to further collaboration with the Federal Government on this matter, and to the inclusion of additional questions in the future that enable the Census to better inform the ways in which we can all do more, and do better.
Support is available from the following organisations:
Rainbow Door at rainbowdoor.org.au or call 1800 729 367 (10am - 5pm)
QLife at qlife.org.au (from 3pm to midnight) or call 1800 184 527
Mind Aftercare on 1300 286 463 (during business hours)
13 YARN for First Nations support on 13 92 76 (24/7)
Lifeline on 131 114 (24/7).
