On Tuesday 11 August 2026, Australians will take part in the national Census, a once-every-five-years snapshot that helps governments, communities and organisations better understand who we are as a nation.
The Census asks a range of questions that inform decisions about funding, services and future planning across Australia. One of those questions is: “What is your religion?”
For many people, it may feel like a simple question. But the way Australians understand and answer it can have important real-world implications.
Census data helps shape decisions in areas such as education, aged care, community services, mental health support, cultural programs, town planning, religious education, chaplaincy, faith-based services and even Christian media. It contributes to how communities are recognised, how needs are understood, and how resources are allocated.
In recent years, Census data has shown a decline in the number of Australians identifying as Christian. But many within the faith community believe this is not simply because people have stopped believing. In some cases, it may be because people no longer understand the importance of answering the religion question, or they choose not to tick the box.
That is why CMAA is developing a national campaign to help Christian media organisations, churches and community groups educate their audiences about the Census, the religion question, and why faith matters.
This is not about telling people how to answer. It is about helping Australians understand what the question is asking, why it matters, and how their response contributes to a more accurate picture of faith in Australia today.
CMAA is creating a range of practical resources to support this campaign, including:
- Community Service Announcements
- Social media graphics and captions
- Website article content
- Interview opportunities with researcher and demographer Mark McCrindle
- A communication schedule for the lead-up to Census night
These plug-and-play resources will help Christian media organisations and wider community partners engage thoughtfully and clearly with their audiences in the weeks leading up to 11 August 2026.
We are grateful for the important role our members and partners play in informing, educating and serving their communities. Together, we can help Australians better understand the Census and the significance of the question: “What is your religion?”
More details, resources and campaign assets will be released in the coming weeks.
For more information, or to request access to CMAA’s Census resources, please contact memberservices@mediaarts.org.au.