1005.0 - ABS Corporate Plan, 2021-22  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 30/08/2021   
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About the ABS

Purpose
To inform Australia’s important decisions by delivering relevant, trusted, and objective data, statistics, and insights.

Role
The ABS is Australia’s national statistical agency. It provides trusted official statistics on a wide range of economic, social, population, and environmental matters of importance to Australia.

The ABS has leadership roles in maximising the use of public data for statistical purposes and improving the Australian Government’s statistical capability. The ABS advises official bodies on producing and using data and statistics, formulates standards, works with states and territories, and liaises internationally.

Legislation
The primary functions, duties, and powers of the ABS are set out in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 and the Census and Statistics Act 1905.

    • The Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 establishes the ABS as an independent statutory authority and legislates its main function as the central statistical authority for the Australian Government and provider of services for state and territory governments.
    • The Census and Statistics Act 1905 empowers the Australian Statistician to collect statistical information on a broad range of demographic, economic, environmental, and social topics and contains strong provisions to maintain the confidentiality of information collected under the Act.
    • The Census and Statistics (Information Release and Access) Determination 2018 enables the Statistician to release information collected under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 when specific conditions are met.

The ABS must comply with the governance and accountability system defined by the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. The ABS must also comply with a range of legislation including the Public Service Act 1999, the Freedom of Information Act 1982, the Privacy Act 1988, and the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013.

Values
The ABS seeks to uphold the APS Values:
    • Impartial—apolitical and provides the Australian Government with frank and timely advice based on the best available evidence.
    • Committed to service—professional, objective, innovative, and efficient. The ABS works collaboratively to achieve the best results for the Australian community and Government.
    • Accountable—accountable to the Australian community under the law and within the framework of ministerial responsibility.
    • Respectful—respect all people, including their rights and heritage.
    • Ethical—honest and trustworthy, and acts with integrity in all it does.