The CPSU says significant parts of the community will not be recognised in the upcoming census. 

The Albanese government's decision to add only a single question on sexuality in the 2026 census has drawn sharp criticism from the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU). 

The union has labelled the move as “half-baked”, claiming it undermines efforts to adequately serve all Australians, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community.

The issue came to the forefront after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reversed an earlier decision to exclude any questions about the LGBTQIA+ population from the national census. Late last week, he confirmed that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) would now test one question on sexuality. 

“We've been talking with the Australian Bureau of Statistics and they're going to test for a new question - one question about sexuality, sexual preference,” Mr Albanese told the ABC, adding that respondents would have the option to skip the question if they preferred.

This policy shift comes after days of public debate, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers earlier noting that the government was cautious to avoid the issue being “weaponised against members of our community”.

Despite the revised approach, the CPSU says that the Albanese government’s efforts do not go far enough. 

Maddy Northam, the union's ACT regional secretary and Queer Network co-convener, criticised the exclusion of broader questions on gender identity. 

“Excluding the LGBTIQ+ community from the census was a mistake made by this government, and the CPSU is pleased to see them admitting that,” she said.

Northam urged the government to expand the scope of the census to include comprehensive data on gender identity, arguing that this information is critical for developing effective public policies. 

“It is now crucial that the government follows through by expanding the scope of questions to make sure all LGBTIQ+ Australians are counted,” she said.

The ABS itself faced significant backlash in 2021 for omitting questions on sexuality and gender identity, an omission they later apologised for, acknowledging the distress caused. 

They subsequently formed an expert advisory committee to frame potential new census questions, aimed at ensuring inclusivity.

The CPSU has called on the government to implement the committee’s recommendations fully. 

Northam stressed that accurate data is essential for the public sector to shape equitable policies and services. 

“The responsibility for supporting this good work now lies firmly with the government,” she said.

Comprehensive data collection, the CPSU argues, will enable the government to better understand and address the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals, ensuring they are not overlooked in future public policy decisions.