The Census Is No Longer Just Counting Us - It’s Shaping Who We Become

There was a time when the Census was gloriously boring.

It counted us. That was it.

The Census was essentially Australia’s annual stocktake - except, because governments have never managed to count anything quickly, it only happens every five years.

Its purpose was simple: find out what Australia looks like so governments can govern the country that actually exists.

But these days, thanks to the progressive Left, the Census is acquiring a rather more ambitious role.

It’s pretty clear that the purpose of this year’s Census is not merely to count Australia. It’s going to help decide what Australia becomes.

And that distinction matters.

Because data is never merely data once governments start collecting it.

Data informs policy.

Policy determines priorities.

Priorities determine spending.

And spending changes society.

That is why certain questions on this year’s Census form ought to get our attention - particularly questions about gender and sexuality.

We are told these questions are simply about filling a statistical gap.

Why is it so important for the government to know how many men are currently identifying as women?

Even more curious, why does Canberra want to know the number of people claiming to be non-binary?

And what’s with the question on sexuality?

What many people don’t realise is that these questions haven't turned up on the Census form as a result of natural curiosity …