Data and Statistical Practices Group

Michael Smedes is the acting 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.

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".

Justin Farrow*

Program Manager
Data Science and Emerging Methods Branch

Susan Shaw*

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 has 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

Will Horridge is the General Manager leading the Data Sourcing Division.  He comes to the ABS after two years in the equivalent role at Statistics New Zealand where he has led the transformation of the Collection Operations Division. 

Will has previously worked as a Senior Manager at EY, the global consulting firm, where he was involved in a number of significant transformation programmes with leading commercial enterprises and government.  Prior to joining EY, Will held senior operational roles in the tertiary education sector including working on the leadership team of an ASX/NZX listed company.  For the first 18 years of his working life Will served as an infantry officer in the British Army. 

Will has an MSc in Management and Leadership.  He lives in Auckland’s Eastern Bays and has two teenage daughters.

Amanda Clark

Program Manager
Data Sourcing Futures Branch

Jenny Telford

Program Manager
Data Sourcing Design Branch

Sean Crick

Program Manager
Data Sourcing Operations Branch

Jodie Stevenson

Program Manager
Data Sourcing Investment Planning Branch

AJ Lanyon is the acting General Manager of the Statistical Infrastructure Division and ABS Chief Data Officer. 

Annette Kelly*

Program Manager
Location Infrastructure Branch

Helen Baird*

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