An Essential Media poll commissioned by the Census – Not Religious? Mark No Religion campaign has found that the wording of Australia’s religious affiliation question may substantially affect reported statistics on religious adherence.
When respondents were presented with the standard census format—selecting from a list including major religions, “no religion,” and “other”—43% chose “no religion.” However, when asked a yes/no question about religious affiliation followed by an optional text box, 54% indicated they have no religion. The campaign contends that the existing question format overstates Australia’s religiousness and understates the proportion without religious belief, potentially affecting policy and funding decisions.
Historically, the 2021 census recorded approximately 39% selecting “no religion,” while 43.9% indicated Christianity as their religion. The number of people identifying with non-Christian faiths or no religion has risen consistently over the past 50 years according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The religion question has generated ongoing debate, including humorous responses such as over 70,000 Australians declaring themselves Jedi Knights in 2001.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics considered revising the question after the 2021 census following feedback that the wording assumed religious affiliation. However, the bureau ultimately rejected changes, citing concerns about data comparability with previous census cycles and the difficulty of designing a question meeting all identified needs. For the 2026 census on 11 August, the ABS implemented updated instructions, reordered response categories, and refined data processing methods rather than changing the question format itself.
Campaign spokesperson Michael Dove stated the organization is now focusing its efforts on potential changes for the 2031 census.
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