As Australia prepares for the 2026 Census on Tuesday, 11 August, SBS is helping to ensure everyone can participate with confidence. Through trusted news and information in more than 60 languages, SBS is explaining why the Census matters, how to take part and how every response contributes to a better understanding of contemporary Australia.
As the national public broadcaster for all Australians, SBS is committed to ensuring everyone can access trusted Census information in the language they know best. Throughout the week, SBS is publishing practical multilingual content across Australia Explained, SBS Examines, SBS Learn English, NITV Radio, SBS Audio and SBS News.
This includes in-language interviews with Australian Bureau of Statistics spokespeople, providing news and information and answering community-specific questions on topics ranging from privacy and visa status to English-language requirements.
This year’s Census will provide an even richer picture of the nation. For the first time, respondents can report up to four ancestries, alongside new questions on sexual orientation and gender. It is also expected to provide the most comprehensive picture yet of how many Australians identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
SBS Managing Director Jane Palfreyman said: “Australia is always changing. Every Census reminds us of that.
“For SBS, the Census insights help ensure every Australian is seen, heard and reflected through our trusted, multilingual journalism and distinctive storytelling.
“That’s what SBS does best – helping all Australians understand the world, understand each other and feel that they belong in the national story.”
Following each Census, SBS undertakes its five-yearly Language Services Review to ensure its language services continue to reflect and serve Australia’s changing population, taking Census data and other factors into consideration.
Public consultation for the next review will run from 5 October to 13 November, with details to be published on the SBS website.
SBS Director of Audio and Language Content David Hua said: “From our language services in Amharic and Arabic to Urdu and Vietnamese, and on NITV Radio, helping every Australian understand and accurately participate in the Census is an important part of SBS’s purpose – to reflect Australia and foster a more cohesive society.
“The Census provides invaluable insights into Australia’s changing cultural and linguistic diversity, informing SBS’s Language Services Review and ensuring our services continue to reflect the communities we serve.
“When people can access trusted information in the language they know best and see their experiences represented, it helps build connection and a stronger sense of participation in Australian life.”
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