Five years have rolled around since the Australian Bureau of Statistics last conducted the Census, which means on Tuesday, August 11, millions of Australians will once again complete the national survey.

Made up of around 60 questions, the Census provides a snapshot of who lives in Australia and how the country is changing. The data can help inform government decisions relating to things like local infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and public transport. 

All information provided in the Census is kept by the ABS and is strictly confidential.

New questions for 2026

After months of debate over the wording and whether the questions should be included at all, Australians will be asked about both their sexual orientation and gender for the first time in the 2026 Census.

Both questions only apply to people aged 16 and over.

The gender question recognises that a person’s gender may differ from the sex recorded at birth. People can choose from male, female, non-binary, uses another term (which they can specify), or prefer not to answer.

The sexual orientation question asks people how they identify and who they are romantically attracted to. They can select straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, another term, prefer not to answer or don’t know. If more than one option applies, they’re asked to choose the one they identify with most.

Professor Adam Bourne, director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University, said collecting the data would help ensure LGBTQA+ communities were represented when governments planned services.

“When LGBTQA+ people aren’t counted, it’s harder to show what our communities need, whether that’s inclusive healthcare, safe schools, housing support, or mental health services,” Prof Bourne said.

What other questions are asked?

The Census asks a wide range of questions about you, your household and your home to build a picture of Australia’s population. You’ll also be asked about:

• your age, date of birth and relationship status
• the people living in your household
• your cultural background, ancestry and the languages you speak
• your education and qualifications
• your job, income and how you travel to work
• your housing, including whether you own or rent your home and how many bedrooms it has.

The Census also asks about things such as unpaid caring responsibilities, internet access, and whether you need assistance with everyday activities because of a long-term health condition or disability.

Do you have to complete the Census?

While it might sound tedious, yes, you do have to complete it. The Census is compulsory for everyone in Australia on Census night, including citizens, permanent residents, temporary visa holders and visitors such as tourists. The ABS will follow up with reminders if you don’t complete it, but there can be hefty fines if you ignore these.

But before you cancel trivia night, don’t panic. It shouldn’t take too long. As a rough guide, the ABS estimates it should take around 30 minutes to complete – although it may be longer for larger households.

If you’re in a private home, one person can complete the Census on behalf of everyone living there or staying that night. People in hotels, hospitals, aged care homes and other non-private dwellings will receive separate instructions on how to take part.

Most households will complete the Census online using a unique access code mailed to their address, although paper forms are available on request.

Do I have to answer every question?

Pretty much. The law requires completing every question on the Census, except for two optional ones, which are the questions relating to religion and sexual orientation.

Knowingly providing false or misleading information in the Census is an offence.