LGBTQ+ Exclusion in the Census

The absence of questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in the Australian census has long been a point of contention among LGBTQ+ advocates. This exclusion affects the government's ability to accurately allocate health resources and implement programs that address disparities faced by these communities. A notable incident involved a Newcastle parent, April Long, who filed a complaint in 2022 after feeling marginalized due to the lack of inclusive questions in the census. This led to the Australian Bureau of Statistics acknowledging the oversight but ultimately, the Labor government backtracked on plans to rectify it, creating frustration among those advocating for proper representation.