# Australian 2026 Census preparation and post-census follow-up > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australian-2026-census-religious-data > Updated: 2026-08-25T05:47:21.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 9. As the 2026 Australian Census approaches its scheduled date of 11 August, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has provided further guidance on participation and question formatting. For travelers or those in remote locations, such as hotels or campgrounds, forms can be obtained from local operators or by requesting a census number from the ABS for later online submission. Residents away from home on Census night are instructed to complete their forms as if they were present at their primary residence. Households may also choose to complete forms before the official date. Debate continues regarding the religion question. While faith leaders, including Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, emphasize that accurate data is vital for planning community services like aged care and schools, secular groups such as the Rationalist Society of Australia have campaigned against perceived bias in the question. In response, the ABS clarified that the query measures religious affiliation rather than frequency of worship. Social researchers have also noted that the current framing may lead to an under-count of Christians, as the lack of a single “Christianity” option may prompt respondents to select “no religion.” For the Muslim community, the census is expected to record a population exceeding one million for the first time, a milestone critical for securing future representation and funding. The census remains a compulsory national count; providing false information or failing to participate can result in legal penalties and fines. The 66-question survey features significant updates, including a policy reversal by the Labor government to include optional questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. The ancestry section has also been expanded, allowing respondents to report up to four ancestries. Following Census night, the ABS reported that more than 10 million households had already submitted responses. ## Claims - The Australian government determines the topics for each census. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Australian Bureau of Statistics decides the wording of census questions. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The latest census includes optional questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The census consists of 66 questions. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Labor Party government previously considered dropping the questions to avoid divisive debates. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Australian Bureau of Statistics urges completion of 2026 Census The Australian Bureau of Statistics is reminding households that the compulsory 2026 Census is still open, following submissions from over 10 million households. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-bureau-of-statistics-urges-completion-of-2026-census ### 2026-08-10: Australia 2026 Census to include new gender and sexual orientation questions Australia's 2026 Census will introduce new optional questions on sexual orientation and gender identity, alongside expanded ancestry reporting, as the nation prepares for its August 11 population count. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-prepares-for-2026-census-with-new-questions-and-clarifications ### 2026-08-04: Australia prepares for 2026 Census with new guidelines and early filing options Australia's 2026 Census on 11 August allows early filing, includes guidance for travelers, and emphasizes confidentiality, with the ABS overseeing the process. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-prepares-for-2026-census-with-new-guidelines-and-early-filing-options ### 2026-07-30: 2026 Australian Census Highlights Importance for Religious Communities Australia's 2026 census on 11 August will shape government services; accurate religion answers are vital for Muslim representation and correct Christian counts, affecting funding and policy. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/2026-australian-census-highlights-importance-for-religious-communities ### 2026-07-26: Australia launches its most inclusive census with new gender and sexuality questions Australia’s 2026 census adds gender, sexuality and ancestry questions to improve inclusion, prompting debate over privacy and data protection. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-launches-its-most-inclusive-census-with-new-gender-and-sexuality-questions ### 2026-07-21: Australian Census 2026 calls on Ukrainian community and volunteers to participate Australia's Census on 11 August 2026 asks all residents to participate, urging the Ukrainian community to record their identity and prompting volunteers to report unpaid work for better resource planning. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-census-2026-calls-on-ukrainian-community-and-volunteers-to-participate ### 2026-07-14: Australia prepares for 2026 Census on August 11 Australia’s 2026 Census will be held on 11 Aug, is compulsory with fines, adds gender, sexual orientation and expanded ancestry questions, and offers paper and Braille forms plus nationwide support. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-prepares-for-2026-census-on-august-11 ### 2026-07-10: Australia prepares for 2026 Census as citizens urged to participate Australia's 2026 Census on 11 August will collect detailed demographic data, including ancestry and religion, to guide planning for services and reflect community composition. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-prepares-for-2026-census-as-citizens-urged-to-participate ### 2026-06-22: Australian Census emphasizes importance of Christian demographic reporting Australian Christian groups stress accurate Census responses, saying religious affiliation data guides government planning and reflects the community’s size and contribution. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-census-emphasizes-importance-of-christian-demographic-reporting --- Cite as: Australian 2026 Census preparation and post-census follow-up. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australian-2026-census-religious-data