3. OUR TRANSFORMATIONAL AGENDA

To achieve our objectives, the ABS is transforming the way we function through better governance, systems modernisation, cultural reform, and smarter deployment of a more capable workforce. Our transformation agenda is supporting how we are achieving our three strategic priorities which are: (SP1) Providing high quality statistics; (SP2) Transforming the ABS for the future; and (SP3) Delivering new statistical solutions to maximise the value of public data.

3.1 ABS TRANSFORMATION GOALS

Environment The revised ABS Relationship Management Plan has been implemented to continue to improve engagement and consultation with our data users and providers An annual stakeholder survey will be conducted to enable the ABS to monitor stakeholder satisfaction The new Chief Economist position will continue to build relationships with economists and commentators.

Strategy The ABS will continue to prioritise its activity in response to generally reduced resources, delivering as much public value as we can The ABS will make decisions that balance effective use of public data and uphold the secrecy and privacy of information provided to the ABS in trust, including through the new Statistics Determination We will implement the ABS Communication Strategy to further improve trust and confidence.

Governance We are extending our sources of independent advice through broader membership on the Australian Statistics Advisory Council, and through prominent external members advising on the Statistical Business Transformation Program Board and on the 2021 Census Executive Board Greater focus on cyber security, privacy and risk management.

People A five year Strategic Workforce plan is supporting ABS transformation. The strategy focuses on building staff capacity, identifying skill gaps, bringing in fresh perspectives, and enabling flexible working arrangements A strong focus on increasing diversity in the workplace.

Culture A Cultural Transformation Strategy has been implemented to support cultural change and build an agreed target culture – high performing, aligned, engaged, innovative and accountable.

Infrastructure The ABS has embarked on a program of systems modernisation to bring in the capabilities required for a 21st Century national statistical office The Statistical Business Transformation Program invests in our statistical infrastructure from the start to the end of the statistical cycle to develop tools and systems such as online data collection, automated data processing, enhanced data analysis capabilities and improved dissemination The ABS has been enabling new computing technology to enhance security and substantially increase staff access to forms of flexible work arrangements such as teleworking.

3.2 CUSTOMER COLLABORATION AND TRUST

We engage with our stakeholders to understand their environment and their needs so we continue to produce high quality statistics that are relevant and required to inform decisions. At the same time we are working to reduce the burden on our data providers as much as possible. Strengthening our partnerships with entities that fund our activities is key to being able to sustain our operations in the future.

The trust of the Australian community is paramount to the ongoing success of the ABS in achieving its purpose. Maintaining the trust and support of our customers as users of our statistics or as data providers is fundamental to the operations of the ABS. Our customers in government, business and the community trust our data to inform them when making important decisions. Australians either in businesses or as private individuals place their trust in the ABS to keep the data they provide as survey respondents and data providers safe and secure, as required by the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and the Privacy Act 1988