This variable uses relationship information to identify whether a family is a same-sex or opposite-sex couple family. It is based on responses to the sex recorded at birth (SEXP) question.
This image shows a question from the 2026 Census online form. This question asks: What was Person 1’s sex recorded at birth?
Underneath the question text, the instructional text states: If Person 1 was not recorded as male or female on their birth registration, you can select another term. ‘Select another term’ is a link. Once clicked, an alternative version of the question is presented.
The response options are: Male; Female.
What is the person's relationship to person 1/person 2?
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Description
This image shows a question from the 2026 Census online form. This question asks: What is Person 2's relationship to Person 1?
Underneath the question text, the instructional text states: Examples of other relationships: Son-in-law, Grandchild, Aunt, Boarder.
Underneath the instructional text, is a clickable More Information header. Once clicked, the More Information is shown, and states: If more than one response applies, select only the option that shows the relationship that most closely applies.
The response options are: Husband or wife or spouse of Person 1; De facto partner of Person 1; Child of Person 1; Stepchild of Person 1; Parent of Person 1; Brother or sister or sibling of Person 1; Unrelated flatmate or co-tenant of Person 1; Other relationship to Person 1(specify), followed by a free text field.
How this variable is created
This variable uses responses from the relationship in household and sex recorded at birth questions on the Census form.
Responses to the relationship in household question are used in family coding to classify people as a de facto partner, husband, wife, or partner, including those temporarily absent on Census night.
History and changes
This variable was introduced in 2011.
In 2026, the variable name was updated from same-sex couple indicator (SSCF). Labels were also changed to differentiate from the new couple indicator based on gender (CIGF).
