For an introduction to data collection issues, see our page on including intersex in forms and our page on researching intersex populations
We congratulate the Albanese Labor government on its re-election. We look forward to continuing to work with the government, to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people with innate variations of sex characteristics, to build on key actions from the 47th Parliament, and to deepen engagement across portfolios.
Trump’s Executive Order on “gender ideology” and “biological truth” uses a gamete-based definition of sex, which is not directly tested for at birth, and which will have adverse consequences for many intersex people.
On 19 December 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released a first estimate on the size and characteristics of LGBTI+ populations in Australia.
We have today been advised by the ABS that the government will not include a question on innate variations of sex characteristics in the 2026 census, despite including questions on sex, sexuality and gender.
The 2016 and 2021 censuses sought to capture data on people with innate variations of sex characteristics (intersex variations/differences of sex development), but they did so in ways that were harmful and that did not produce reliable, meaningful data. We have an opportunity to do better in the 2026 census.
A joint statement with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia: Lack of LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the next census will adversely impact health outcomes.
IHRA has made a submission in response to a public consultation by Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department on proposed superannuation regulations.
Announcement: A multi-institutional research team has been awarded $5M in federal government funding to help create a safer and better future for people with innate variations in sex characteristics (IVSC).
We have today made a submission to Treasury on use of genetic test results in insurance underwriting.
We warmly welcome publication by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) of analysis of responses to ‘non-binary sex’ in the 2021 census. The report shows a need for reform ahead of the next census.
This paper, by Morgan Carpenter to inform the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, outlines the contradictory ways Australian data construct intersex and DSD.
IHRA is pleased to share our call for action by the new government. It includes calls for action to promote legislative reform, resource peer support and advocacy, reform medical codes and provide redress.