The ABS purpose drives our three objectives.
1. ABS statistics are trusted and used to inform important decisions
ABS data informs important decisions made by government, business and the community. It underpins sound fiscal and monetary policy decisions and informs the delivery of programs and services vital to the wealth and wellbeing of the people of Australia including in relation to health, education, the cost of living, the environment and energy, housing and infrastructure. ABS data also supports a functioning democracy, with its data contributing to fair electoral boundaries and informed community debates.
The Government’s Statement of Expectations requires the ABS to deliver services that are timely, relevant, responsive and of the highest integrity and quality.
2. Partnerships to enable better decisions
The Government expects the ABS to maintain robust, effective and collaborative working partnerships with other producers of official statistics in Australia to ensure the proper functioning of the national statistical system.
The ABS is committed to maintaining effective working partnerships with other federal and state/territory agencies, the ABS’ counterparts in overseas jurisdictions, and other official statistical bodies to ensure the proper functioning of Australia’s statistical governance framework, and to expand and improve the quality and awareness of statistical services available to governments and the community.
The ABS partners with other agencies through collaborations, strategic out-postings of staff and participation in decision-making fora.
3. New statistics to support Australia’s emerging priorities
The Government expects the ABS to engage with data users to ensure that the range of statistics collected and disseminated by the ABS is appropriate to their needs, and to consult stakeholders regarding significant changes to the ABS’ work program.
Australia’s data is a national resource providing enormous benefits for citizens, business and governments. This resource can be used to make informed decisions and develop innovative products and services across all sectors.
The ABS draws on its understanding of our stakeholders’ needs and our specialist expertise to produce new insights to solve complex or emerging policy problems and service delivery challenges.