An Essential Media poll commissioned by the Census – Not Religious? Mark No Religion campaign has found that the format of Australia’s census religion question may be affecting reported levels of religious affiliation in the population.
The survey tested two different question formats with separate groups of over 2,000 respondents each. Using the existing census format—where respondents select from a list of religions, “no religion,” and “other”—43% chose “no religion.” However, when presented with a yes/no question asking whether respondents have a religion, followed by a text box for those answering affirmatively, 54% indicated they have no religion. Campaign spokesperson Michael Dove characterized the existing format as potentially overstating religiousness while understating the nonreligious population, a difference he said could represent approximately 2 million additional adults without religion.
The campaign argues that census data functions as a crucial resource for informing policy decisions and funding allocations. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has acknowledged receiving feedback that the current wording assumes respondents have a religion. However, the agency cited concerns that altering the question would prevent meaningful comparison with data from previous censuses. Following consultation with religious and secular organizations after the 2021 census, the ABS ultimately declined to change the question format.
For the upcoming 2026 census scheduled for 11 August, the ABS has made modifications short of changing the question itself, including reordering response categories to reflect patterns from the most recent census, providing additional instructions, and adjusting data processing methods to capture more granular detail from respondents.
Campaign organizers indicated they view the current census cycle as settled but plan to pursue the matter further for the 2031 census. Historical data shows Christianity remained the most commonly reported religion at the 2021 census, selected by 43.9% of respondents, though long-term trends demonstrate declining Christian affiliation alongside rising numbers reporting no religion or other faiths.
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