The federal government’s decision to not include new questions relating to gender identity, variations of sex characteristics and sexual orientation in the 2026 Census will maintain poor data recording, limit evidence driven decision making and is disappointing and retrograde for LGBTIQA+ communities.

The Board of Directors at Switchboard Victoria are proud to share in celebrating the Hon. Minister Harriet Shing’s announcement that Joe Ball will be stepping into the role of Victoria’s next Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, concluding his 7 years of dedicated and passionate service as Switchboard’s inaugural CEO.