The Census provides a detailed picture of Australian society and is a key source of religious affiliation data. A multi-faith campaign has been launched to encourage Australians to accurately identify their religious affiliation in the August 11, 2026 Census.
Demographer and census expert Mark McCrindle said the religion question on the Census helps to inform long-term planning for services such as schools, hospitals, aged care, chaplaincy programs and settlement support. It is “not a test of religious practice or perfection”. The Census is Australia’s most important national dataset, and its value depends on people accurately reflecting who they are. Accurate Census data helps ensure governments and policymakers have a genuine understanding of the people, values and communities that make up our nation.”
More information on Q24 (“What is the person’s religion?”) is detailed on the ABS website. The question is listed in the section ‘cultural background’
Even though the question is optional, it is answered by nearly all respondents. Christianity is broken into more than 100 different religious groups/denominations. Even so, the response box ‘other‘ can be used to provide more specific detail than what appears in the list provided on the form. A person who wants to provide more details on their Catholic religion could use the ‘other‘ box eg Maronite Catholic, Ukrainian Catholic, Syro Malabar Catholic etc. Similarly, the ‘other‘ box can be used for the Orthodox traditions to provide more detail eg Armenian Apostolic, Coptic Orthodox, Antiochian Orthodox. This specificity is important in the overall data collected in the census.
More Census information:
- Information for migrants, refugees and international visitors | Census Information
- Stakeholder toolkit – information sheets
- Language and translated materials (if your language is not listed, please get in touch with Diana – details below)
- Census jobs – apply now
- Lesson Guides
- Get help near you | Census Information
- Contact us | Census Information
For further information, contact Diana Mastrantuono, Cultural and Linguitically Diverse (CALD) State Manager – VIC – Census Inclusive Strategies | Census of Population and Housing | Australian Bureau of Statistics (P) (03) 9615 7430 (E) diana.mastrantuono@abs.gov.au (W) www.abs.gov.au