Advancing Inclusivity in Health Datasets: Leveraging the ABS 2020 Standard
Tracks
Diamond Ballroom III: In-Person Only
| Thursday, June 5, 2025 |
| 11:40 AM - 12:10 PM |
Overview
Nicky Bath, Lgbtiq+ Health Australia
Presenter
Nicky Bath
Chief Executive Officer
Lgbtiq+ Health Australia
Advancing Inclusivity in Health Datasets: Leveraging the ABS 2020 Standard
Abstract
Most current data collection does not accurately or adequately count LGBTIQ+ people and communities to effectively inform policy development and health planning. As a result, LGBTIQ+ communities are routinely excluded or not adequately considered in program development.
In 2020, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) updated the Standard for Sex, Gender, Variation of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 (2020 Standard). The 2020 Standard was developed in conjunction with a range of stakeholders, including LHA. It uses four variables to achieve consistent collection and dissemination of data. These variables, when cross-classified, provide comprehensive data on a particular topic, issue or population group.
While the 2020 Standard still needs to be consistently embedded in government, research and service level data, significant progress is being made.
The ABS 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing was the first time that study used the 2020 Standard, providing the first official national data on LGBTIQ+ populations’ mental health. Another key step was the 2024 Statement on Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation in Health and Medical Research (the Statement), a joint initiative of NHMRC and the Department of Health and Aged Care.
This presentation will explore key components of the 2020 Standard, providing insight into its development and the exploring the benefits, practicalities and challenges of its adoption. It will highlight the significance of using standardised variables to gather more precise and inclusive data on diverse parts of the LGBTIQ+ population. It will discuss implications of integrating the 2020 Standard into routine data collection practices, emphasising the potential for informed policy development, targeted health interventions, and improved health outcomes.
Practical examples and case studies will be used to illustrate the successful implementation of the standard, emphasising its impact on identifying health disparities and improving outcomes.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Background and purpose of the ABS Standard for Sex, Gender, Variation of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 (2020 Standard)
2. The benefits and recent use of the 2020 Standard.
3. Practicalities and overcoming challenges of adopting the 2020 Standard.
In 2020, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) updated the Standard for Sex, Gender, Variation of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 (2020 Standard). The 2020 Standard was developed in conjunction with a range of stakeholders, including LHA. It uses four variables to achieve consistent collection and dissemination of data. These variables, when cross-classified, provide comprehensive data on a particular topic, issue or population group.
While the 2020 Standard still needs to be consistently embedded in government, research and service level data, significant progress is being made.
The ABS 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing was the first time that study used the 2020 Standard, providing the first official national data on LGBTIQ+ populations’ mental health. Another key step was the 2024 Statement on Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation in Health and Medical Research (the Statement), a joint initiative of NHMRC and the Department of Health and Aged Care.
This presentation will explore key components of the 2020 Standard, providing insight into its development and the exploring the benefits, practicalities and challenges of its adoption. It will highlight the significance of using standardised variables to gather more precise and inclusive data on diverse parts of the LGBTIQ+ population. It will discuss implications of integrating the 2020 Standard into routine data collection practices, emphasising the potential for informed policy development, targeted health interventions, and improved health outcomes.
Practical examples and case studies will be used to illustrate the successful implementation of the standard, emphasising its impact on identifying health disparities and improving outcomes.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Background and purpose of the ABS Standard for Sex, Gender, Variation of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 (2020 Standard)
2. The benefits and recent use of the 2020 Standard.
3. Practicalities and overcoming challenges of adopting the 2020 Standard.
Biography
Nicky Bath is the CEO of LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (formerly National LGBTI Health Alliance) the national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people (LGBTI) and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities.
Nicky has worked in the NSW Ministry of Health as the Manager of the Harm Reduction and Viral Hepatitis Branch as well as several senior positions at ACON, AIVL and the National Health Service (UK).
Nicky is committed to advancing the health and human rights of marginalised communities.
