Labor MP Josh Burns calls on Albanese government to reverse LGBTQI+ census backflip

Labor MP Josh burns has become the first federal Labor MP to speak out against the government’s backflip on its promise to remove questions on sexuality and gender from the 2026 census.

The reversal has sparked condemnation from LGBTQI+ community groups, including Equality Australia, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, as well as Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody, with organisations furious the decision was made without consultation, and meant the upcoming census would fail to recognise queer, trans, intersex and gender diverse Australians.

On Thursday, Mr Burns, who represents the inner-city Melbourne electorate of Macnamara also broke party ranks and called on the government to reverse its decision.

“Macnamara is home to a vibrant LGBTIQA+ community and I am proud to represent them,” said the prominent backbencher.

“The census provides data to improve government decision making and the delivery of services, therefore it is my view that we should reconsider the questions for the 2026 census to include the LGBTQIA+ community.”

On Thursday, Dr Cody also said she had written to Assistant Minister for Employment Andrew Leigh, calling on him to reconsider.

“I am concerned that this decision will strengthen the voices of discrimination and division that seek to disrupt the nation’s social cohesion,” she said.

“In the face of rising negative rhetoric, there may be concern about the harmful impacts that another public debate may have on LGBTIQA+ people and their families. However, while we must seek to minimise harm, the answer cannot be to do nothing.”

Dr Cody said the decision went against a formal acknowledgment by the Australian

The decision comes after the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) issued a formal statement of regret in 2023 for not including questions on “gender identity, variations of sex characteristics or sexual orientation” in the 2021 census.

Following the criticism, the ABS vowed to review processes and approaches for the 2026 census and establish an expert LGBTQI+ advisory committee to inform future surveys.

Acting prime minister Richard Marles doubled-downed on the decision, stating he wanted to avoid “divisive” debates.

“We’ve seen how divisive debates have played out across our country, and the last thing we want to do is inflict that debate on a sector of our community right now,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

While Mr Burns has become the first government MP to lash the decision, federal parliament cross benchers have written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling on him to provide justification for the decision and include the questions.

Signatories of the letter included prominent independents: Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall, Monique Ryan, Zoe Daniel, Kylea Tink, Sophie Scamps, Helen Haines, Kate Chaney, David Pocock, Andrew Gee and Andrew Wilkie.