IDAHOBIT: From policy decisions to real world impact

This year has seen meaningful progress for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Australia, progress that goes to the heart of how our democracy works in practice.

Updated Lifeblood rules now allow many gay, bisexual and transgender people to donate blood using gender‑neutral eligibility questions. The 2026 Census will also, for the first time, collect data on sexual orientation and gender for people aged 16 and over.

We were reflecting on the 2026 IDAHOBIT theme, At the heart of democracy. Strong democracies rely on fair access, trusted public institutions, and evidence that helps governments design services for the communities they serve.

Policy decisions like these show how careful design – grounded in evidence and informed by lived experience – can shape real‑world outcomes. In our day‑to‑day work, we support governments to translate complex reforms into practical, people‑centred services through meaningful stakeholder engagement and evidence‑based decision‑making.

IDAHOBIT is a reminder that progress matters, and so does the ongoing work of building public systems, services and workplaces that are safe, inclusive and accessible for everyone. We’re proud to work alongside our LGBTQIA+ & Gender Working Group in marking days like this and what they represent.