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Did you know there’s a link between reliably being able to flush the toilet – not just at home, but anytime you’re away on holiday around Australia – and filling in your census form on August 11? That’s just one of the fun facts Liz Allen shares in her article on ten practical things to know about the 2026 census, such as the fines you face if you lie or ignore it, what happens to your data, and how to ask for help. The census is personal for Allen. As she writes today, back in August 1996 she was a teenager, and homeless – and she wasn’t included in that year’s census. Ever since, she’s been
determined to make sure no one is invisible when it counts. As Karinna Saxby explains, two new questions on sexual orientation and gender in this year’s census will finally provide long-missing data on LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse Australians. Yet Xavier Mills and Sal Clark point out there are still glaring gaps, including for people with intersex traits.
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Liz Minchin
Executive Editor + Business Editor
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Liz Allen, Australian National University
Here are ten practical things to know about the 2026 census, including fines if you lie or ignore it, what happens to your data and how to ask for help.
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Karinna Saxby, The University of Melbourne
Are you straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual or another sexual orientation? The census wants to know. Here’s why.
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Xavier Mills, Swinburne University of Technology; Sal Clark, Swinburne University of Technology
After backlash from the LGBTQIA+ community, the government agreed to include gender and sexual orientation questions in the new census. So why not intersex?
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Jane Younger, University of Tasmania
We cannot stop wild birds from flying. But we can control whether this becomes an unmanaged catastrophe or a closely tracked outbreak.
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Marija Taflaga, Australian National University; Matteo Bonotti, Monash University; Zareh Ghazarian, Monash University
The Liberals never gave members the same scope to be involved and influence policy as Labor did. Now, they are paying the price for it.
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Elisa Di Gregorio, Adelaide University ; Emma Rowe, Deakin University
We know more students are going to private schools, even though fees can be steep and families might need outside help to afford them.
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James Skinner, University of Newcastle
Recent FIFA controversies have exposed structural tensions within world soccer, which may result in significant change at the top.
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Amy Errmann, Auckland University of Technology
Mindfulness can change how we experience time, making it easier to wait for future rewards without relying on greater willpower.
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Nathan Garland, Griffith University
A mathematical simulation shows why it can take so long to collect a full set of Pokémon cards.
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Gregory Moore, The University of Melbourne
Mulch glue allows water and air to penetrate the soil, but there are concerns it may limit birds turning over and foraging in mulch.
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Noor Gillani, The Conversation
Our experts have rounded up the top films and shows new to streaming, including some recent blockbusters.
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Politics + Society
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Martin Kear, University of Sydney
Israel will likely refuse to withdraw its troops until it’s satisfied Hamas is completely disarmed, and Hamas says it won’t budge until Israel withdraws.
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Business + Economy
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Di Bu, Macquarie University
Revolut is only the latest ‘neobank’ to challenge Australia’s highly concentrated banking sector. But this attempt is backed by Europe’s most valuable startup.
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Education
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Lisa Nicole Sharwood, UNSW ; David Eager, University of Technology Sydney
Tube slides aren’t like traditional playground slides. But children can still have fun without getting injured.
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Environment + Energy
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Faith Tabalujan, The Conversation
Starting yesterday, Australians are now paying 16 cents more for each litre of petrol they buy.
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Alan Brent, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington; Stellenbosch University; Andrew Crossland, Durham University
AI data centres are contentious for consuming large resources. But with the right incentives and regulation, can they make for more flexible electricity systems?
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Simon Stewart, Cawthron Institute; Robin Holmes, Cawthron Institute
Wetlands are increasingly appreciated for their role in flood prevention and as carbon sinks. But they also act as a crucial food source for the wider catchment.
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Science + Technology
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Lisa M. Given, RMIT University
The report provides more evidence Australia’s world-leading social media ban isn’t going to plan.
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Adam Andreotta, Curtin University
When consumers provide consent for recording their facial data, they must fully know what they’re consenting to.
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Kai Riemer, University of Sydney; Sandra Peter, University of Sydney
The singularity has two features. The AI systems Sam Altman sells don’t deliver on either of them.
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Arts + Culture
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Sarah Ward, Australian National University
Bali’s traditional elephant-fish canoes embody generations of craftsmanship, spiritual belief and maritime knowledge. But only a handful remain.
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Cameron Shackell, The University of Queensland
Technology may give us extraordinary new power. But it may also give our deepest, least understood desires a power of their own.
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