THE Australian Bureau of Statistics this week published the 2026 Census Topics and Data Release Plan.

The publication outlines the questions that will be included in the 2026 Census, and when and how the data will be released.

Census general manager, Jenny Telford, said the publication is a significant milestone in the lead up to Australia’s next Census on August 11, 2026.

“The release of the 2026 Census topics and data release plan follows a period of extensive public consultation and testing to ensure the Census produces high-quality data that reflects contemporary Australia,” Ms Telford said.

“The 2026 Census will deliver richer insights, with the addition of a new topic on gender and sexual orientation, and updates to existing topics to meet emerging data needs.

“We will make Census results freely available across a range of products making it easier than ever for people to access and use.”

The ABS will release data from the 2026 Census in three phases, with data for most topics to be released in June, 2027.

Data for a smaller set of topics, including employment-related data, will be released in October, 2027.

The remaining data, including the distance people live from where they work, will be released in early 2028.

The 2026 Census topics and data release plan is available on the ABS website HERE.

The information provided on a Census form is confidential.

The ABS will never release information in a way that can identify any individual or household.