Introduction to the census questions special issue

Given we are currently in a census year, Australian Population Studies sought to place a spotlight on all things census and put out a special call for short commentary papers on proposed new census topics and questions. This special issue draws together a select number of papers that answered this call. The aim was to broaden the conversation and stimulate useful discussion about potential new topics and questions that might be considered for the 2026 Census. Contained in this special issue are commentary pieces that cover a range of topics, including (1) measuring multi-locational living; (2) highly mobile populations; (3) long-distance commuting; (4) commuting to places of education; (5) financial wellbeing; (6) gender identity and sexual orientation; and (7) ethnicity and ancestry. Together we hope readers find the collection of papers thought-provoking and seek to draw on in this special issue as a new consolidated resource for scholars and practitioners interested in the census. We note that some papers did not quite make the timing to appear in this special issue of Australian Population Studies and will instead be published in a special section in the forthcoming November issue of the journal.