By Krishani Dhanji and Tom Crowley , ABC News The Albanese government is facing its second wave of internal dissent in the space of weeks, as Labor politicians vent their dismay over a decision not to collect sexuality and gender identity data in the next census. LGBTQIA+ advocates reacted with fury and disbelief when the government quietly confirmed on Monday it would not include a question on sexuality and expanded gender options in the 2026 edition of the national survey, contrary to a commitment in Labor's national platform. Six Labor MPs have since told the ABC the government should reverse its decision and include the new questions.
They include assistant health minister Ged Kearney, who said LGBTQIA+ census data should be collected to inform policymaking and support inclusion. "The census not only informs policy and service delivery but paints a picture of modern Australia in all its beauty and diversity," she told the ABC. "For too long LGBTQIA+ people have felt excluded from this picture .
.. I'm working to ensure these views are represented within the Albanese Labor government.
" Ms Kearney's intervention, which carries added weight given her role in the Albanese ministry, comes as she faces an electoral challenge from the Greens in her inner Melbourne seat of Cooper. "As the member for one of Australia's most inclusive electorates and a long-term supporter of queer liberation, it is important I speak on this issue," she told the ABC. Labor backbenchers Josh Burns, Al.