Data and Statistical Practices Group

Dr Phillip Gould is the Deputy Australian Statistician leading the Data and Statistical Practices Group.

The Data and Statistical Practices Group is responsible for sourcing the data the ABS uses in its work and disseminating the official statistics, data and insights it produces to inform Australia's important decisions. The Group provides statistical infrastructure to support work of the ABS and leads its work to expand and improve data sharing, data integration and microdata access across government. It also provides methodological and data science leadership to the ABS.

Phillip joined the ABS in September 2024 from the Department of Health and Aged Care where he was the Chief Data Officer and First Assistant Secretary for the Health Economics and Research Division. Phillip has worked across the private, university and government sectors, including at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet with roles in the COVID-19 response taskforce and in establishing the Office of the National Data Commissioner, and previously at the ABS where he helped establish the ABS’s data integration program.

Phillip holds a PhD in Time Series Econometrics and has spent much of his career championing the use of data to inform important decisions.

Anders Holmberg joined the ABS in September 2019 as the Chief Methodologist.

Anders has a background as a survey methodologist, developing both theory and practice within data collection methodology, survey sampling theory and register based statistical methods.

Immediately prior to joining the ABS, Anders was the Chief Methodologist at Statistics Norway. He was also the Principal Statistician at Statistics New Zealand from 2014 to 2016, where he worked with traditional censuses and administrative data systems.

In 2012-13, Anders was responsible for the management of the Cambodian Socio-Economic Survey, as well as training staff throughout the statistical value chain. He enjoyed a 13 year career at Statistics Sweden (1999-2012), undertaking a variety of roles. Prior to this, he was a lecturer at Örebro University.

He is a member of Statistics Sweden’s and Statistics Netherlands’ Scientific advisory boards and has a PhD in statistics from Uppsala University with the thesis "Essays on Model Assisted Survey Planning".

Rosslyn Starick*

Program Manager
Data Science and Emerging Methods Branch

Paul Schubert

Program Manager
Statistical Methodology Branch

Kristen Stone

Principal Advisor
Data Science Capability

Marcel van Kints is the General Manager of the Statistical Production and Digital Services Division. The Division delivers microdata and integrated data services; is responsible for evolving data sources, standards and methods for household and business statistics and turning it into statistical assets; and uplifting digital capabilities for the ABS.

Marcel has held various senior positions at the ABS, particularly in the macroeconomic statistics program. Marcel has complemented his ABS experience with international experience at the United Nations in New York.

Marcel has tertiary qualifications in economics and statistics, and holds a Masters of Public Administration from the Australian National University. Marcel has authored several conference and academic articles.

Emily Walter*

Program Manager
Digital Services Branch

Luke Hendrickson

Program Manager
Data Integration Services Branch

David Zago

Program Manager
Household Statistical Production and Futures Branch

Robert Ewing

Program Manager
Business Statistical Production and Futures Branch

Nicky joined the Australian Bureau of Statistics in August 2024, taking up the role of General Manager of Data Sourcing. The Data Sourcing Division is responsible for design and delivery of data collection services, to support the delivery of high-quality statistical information crucial for informed decision-making. The Division is also responsible for several strategic initiatives that will enhance the ABS’ data sourcing capabilities.

Prior to joining the ABS, Nicky spent her career at Services Australia where she held several senior roles in areas including service delivery, operations management, programme and projects, information management and change management. Committed to fostering inclusive workplaces, Nicky has also held the role of LGBTQIA+ Senior Executive Ally, championing diversity and inclusiveness within the organisation she has served. Nicky holds a postgraduate qualification in Public Policy and Finance and is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Public Administration.

Tom Joseph & Amanda Clark

Program Manager
Data Sourcing Futures Branch

Jodie Stevenson

Program Manager
Data Sourcing Design Branch

Sean Crick

Program Manager
Data Sourcing Operations Branch

Michael Smedes is the ABS Chief Data Officer and General Manager of the Statistical Infrastructure Division. 

He has an extensive background in official statistics having worked at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Statistics New Zealand, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations across a broad range of statistics. Prior to his current role, he was most recently the General Manager of the Social Statistics Division at the ABS, and prior to that the global advisor on national accounts at the United Nations.

Simon Costello

Program Manager
Location Infrastructure Branch

AJ Lanyon

Program Manager
Business Register and Statistical Standards Branch

Adam Harris

Program Manager
National Disability Data Asset and Data Systems Branch

*Individual is acting, temporary or contractor in this role