Today the ABS released data from the last Census and from several household surveys showing 4.5% of Australians or 910,600 people, identify as LGBTI+.
This is roughly equivalent to one in 27 Australians or the populations of the ACT and Tasmania combined and is likely to be an under-estimate given some LGBTI+ people, including the elderly and transgender people, may be less comfortable disclosing who they are.
Just.Equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
“The ABS estimate highlights that LGBTI+ people are a key constituency and a powerful voting bloc ahead of next year’s federal election.”
“This constituency is even larger when we include the families, friends and allies of LGBTI+ people.”
“The ABS data is a reminder to all political parties that they must have policies recognising the human rights of LGBTI+ people and addressing the disadvantages we face in areas such as health, housing, employment, education and public safety.”
“This data will also help foster inclusion and equity in the broader community by reminding non-LGBTI+ Australians that we a substantial part of Australian society and that we make an important contribution to national life.”
The ABS’s estimate corresponds with similar estimates in New Zealand and the UK.
For more details from the ABS: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/estimates-and-characteristics-lgbti-populations-australia/2022
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
