Hi Allegra,

I wanted to share some exciting news with you.

Yesterday, the Treasurer announced that the next census will recognise our LGBTQ+ community for the first time.

The commitment comes just two weeks after Labor had ruled out including questions on sexuality and gender in the 2026 survey and Opposition leader Peter Dutton belittled attempts to recognise our LGBTQ+ community as a “woke agenda”.

But following intense pressure from the Crossbench and our community, the government has u-turned.

Recognising our LGBTQ+ community in the census is about celebrating Australia’s incredible diversity. But it’s also about making good policy and spending taxpayers’ money wisely. Without good data, we can’t expect to design services that effectively support the community.

I know this is hugely important to many in our community. A 2022 survey conducted by Equality Australia with nearly 6,000 LGBTQ+ people found 96.4% said counting them in the Census was important.

I first wrote to Minister Leigh about this issue in April, urging him to ensure we do not repeat the same mistakes from the past.

Two weeks ago, when the government said it planned to exclude LGBTQ+ people from the census, I coordinated a joint letter to the Prime Minister from 11 independent members of Parliament. I have also spoken at length with the Prime Minister and Minister Leigh about this issue in recent days.

Community pressure has played a massive part. Many of you added your voices to the call for change, and I want to thank every single person who participated in this campaign.

But the job is not done. People with innate variations in sex characteristics will still not be recognised in the upcoming Census due to the ABS identifying challenges with this particular question during testing.

I will be consulting with LGBTQ+ community groups about next steps from here and also about how we can ensure LGBTQ+ students and teachers are free from discrimination at schools.

This decision yet again shows the power of communities to make change. Over the last 12 months, we’ve secured $3 billion in student debt relief, fuel efficiency standards for new vehicles, and so much more.

I’ll continue fighting for your priorities. Strong action on climate change, responsible cost-of-living relief, future-focused economic reform, and a fairer and more inclusive society.

If you have comments or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can also come and tell me what’s on your mind at one of my upcoming pop-up offices:

• Clovelly:
  • 13th September, 10:45am-11:45am. Corner of Clovelly Rd and Mount St.
• Bondi Junction:
  • 20th September, 9:00am-10:00am. Outside Bondi Junction Station.
• Rose Bay:
  • 25th September, 9:30am - 10:30am. Corner of New South Head Rd and Newcastle St.

Thanks for your support.

Allegra