Inclusive representation long overdue in Australia census
Australia's 2026 Census is supposed to reflect the full spectrum of society.
Yet, by not including LGBTIQ+ options in sexual orientation or gender, it actively erases entire communities.
This failure hits home for me, and it’s not just a personal concern but a professional one as well. As someone who works closely with the tech industry – a critical driver of Australia’s economy – it’s essential that we understand the demographic and cultural diversity within our workforce. Unfortunately, the Census doesn’t allow us to do that.
We can assume that a significant portion of our technology workforce may not be surprised by the government’s decision regarding the 2026 Census from data collected by TechDiversity.
According to their study, Tech Reflects (DEI/Cultural data gathered from Australia's Technology workforce), only 8% of respondents selected ‘Lobbying of Government’ as one of the top strategies for fostering DEI within the industry. Instead, 29% believe it’s up to the tech industry itself to actively recruit from diverse talent pools, and the next most popular strategy was gaining leadership buy-in from top organisations. This reflects a broader sentiment that change must come from within our own industry.
Take the UK Census, for example. In 2021, the UK included questions about sexual orientation and gender identity, and the results were staggering – over 1.3 million people identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. That’s a significant portion of the population that is now visible, counted, and can be better supported. But what about Australia? What about people like me, who are left unseen, uncounted, and unrepresented?
This exclusion feels like a slap in the face, and it only drives me further to ensure that our technology workforce is represented.
That’s why our Tech Reflects study will remain open – to welcome everyone and ensure that everyone can be counted.
Other Tech Reflects data has revealed that 31% of respondents within the tech workforce do not identify as heterosexual.
That’s a significant figure, and it tells us something crucial about the diversity of the people driving innovation in our country. What’s more, understanding this diversity isn’t just about collecting statistics; it’s about shaping the future. By not representing these communities, the Census is essentially turning its back on the very people who are pushing Australia forward.
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The case for inclusion: why representation matters
Representation is more than just filling in a checkbox; it’s about creating a society that acknowledges and values every person. For the tech industry, it’s especially crucial.
With more than 900,000 people in Australia’s tech workforce, this sector is the backbone of the economy, contributing billions to the GDP. Yet, we are expected to innovate and lead without fully understanding who we are as a community. Without accurate representation, how can we build inclusive workplaces? How can we ensure that the policies we create serve all employees?
Again, the Tech Reflects study gives us an insight into the realities of the workforce, it gathers intersectional data which is crucial because it reveals the complexity of discrimination and exclusion, showing that issues cannot be solved by addressing a single factor.
Our latest Tech Reflects data tells us that 28% of respondents report long-term mental health concerns – a figure that rises to 42% among Gen Y/Millennials. This data highlights how different aspects of identity, such as age and mental health, intersect and compound challenges. Understanding these intersections allows us to develop more nuanced, inclusive policies that address the unique needs of all employees, ensuring no one is left behind.
We need to benchmark against national data, and that’s where the Census should come in.
It’s not just about sexual identity – although that’s important – it’s about knowing who we are beyond gender and traditional categories. Tech Reflects data also shows for women in tech, gender identity ranked third in importance, but for men, it was only 19th. These insights matter because they help us understand the nuances of diversity within our industry and how to support it effectively.
Addressing the government's stance: a missed opportunity
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the government’s refusal to update the Census categories is a glaring oversight. They’ve had years to prepare, yet they’ve chosen not to act. The argument might be that it’s too complex or that the data isn’t “necessary,” but I strongly disagree. When 1.3 million people in the UK can identify themselves, it proves that including these questions isn’t just possible – it’s vital. It allows people to see themselves in the data and ensures that we are making informed decisions at all levels of society.
The government’s decision not only excludes communities but also sends a message that their lives, their identities, don’t matter enough to be counted.
This has a ripple effect on industries like tech, where diversity is not just a talking point but a necessity for growth, innovation, and success.
If we don’t know who makes up our workforce, how can we create policies that support them? How can we ensure that we’re not losing talent such as our LGBTQ+ and others to industries or countries that are more inclusive?
What’s next is up to us
The reality is clear: the government won’t fix this for us. It’s up to us, the tech industry, to ensure that our workforce reflects the diversity of society. The Tech Reflects study is one step toward that goal, but we need more participation, more voices, and more data. We can’t afford to go back to a “don’t ask, don’t tell” mentality. Those days are long behind us, and the stakes are too high.
In the tech industry, we know the value of inclusivity. It’s what drives innovation and keeps us at the cutting edge of progress. But inclusivity doesn’t happen on its own – it requires action. We need to create environments where everyone feels counted and valued, and that starts with understanding who is in the room.
So, let this be a call to action. We need to stand up, join hands, and ensure that the future of the tech industry is one that truly reflects the values we hold dear – diversity, inclusivity, and representation. Our workforce deserves to be seen, and if the government won’t do it, we will.
Moving forward together
The Census may have let us down, but we don’t have to let that define us. The tech industry has always been about solving problems, and this is no different. We have the tools, the insights, and the determination to create a future where everyone is represented.
Let’s not wait for the next Census to get it right – let’s start now. If you work in a technology workforce join us in the Tech Reflects study and help shape a workforce that truly reflects the society we serve.