Australia’s 2026 Census is providing more than a snapshot of how many people live in the country. For multicultural communities, the information collected can influence how essential services are funded, designed and delivered.

According to 2021 Census data, 27.6 per cent of Australians were born overseas, while 48.2 per cent have at least one parent who was born overseas. As Australia’s population becomes increasingly diverse, understanding where people come from, what languages they speak and the needs of different communities is becoming increasingly important.

Census information is used to inform decisions around healthcare, interpreting and translation services, schools, public transport, libraries, settlement support and infrastructure. It also helps organisations understand where particular communities are concentrated and what services may be required.

The importance of accurate information was highlighted by concerns over access to healthcare for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. SBS reported on the case of Gia Lam, a Vietnamese-born woman whose death following childbirth was later deemed preventable. The case highlighted, among other issues, failures in communication and the availability of Vietnamese interpreters during her hospital care.

Community advocates say situations like this demonstrate why understanding language and cultural needs is not simply a matter of statistics. It can directly affect people’s ability to access essential services.

The 2026 Census collects information including ancestry, country of birth and whether languages other than English are spoken at home. The data is also used by organisations such as SBS to help determine how its multilingual services reflect Australia’s changing population.

Australia’s multicultural character is reflected not only in its people, but also in the languages spoken in homes, the communities that have formed across the country and the services they require.

Ultimately, the Census provides governments, researchers and community organisations with evidence to understand those changes. What Australians record today can help shape the services and resources available to communities tomorrow.