Published on: 31st July 2025
This is Auslan90 – Deep Dive, produced by Deaf Connect, supported by SBS.
In addition to our Daily news, Deaf Connect produces ‘deep dive’ videos which provide more detail and context to the biggest stories of the week.
Today’s deep dive focuses on complaints made about the 2021 Census.
In 2021, April Long and their partner Kelly faced difficulties completing the Australian Census—a nationwide survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The form asked questions about their child’s “mother” and “father,” but both April and Kelly are mothers. This highlighted a broader issue: the Census did not adequately reflect the realities of LGBTQIA+ families.
Many in Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community expressed concerns that the Census also failed to collect meaningful data on sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. In response April Long, alongside advocacy group Equality Australia, lodged a human rights complaint. They argued that the absence of inclusive data amounted to unlawful discrimination. Since then, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has shifted its position multiple times, causing frustration among advocates.
Watch the video to learn what changes are expected before the next Census in 2026.
This project is funded by the Federal Government Department of Social Services Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program.
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