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ABS STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND PRIORITIES

The environment in which the ABS operates is changing, and the ABS recognises the need to significantly transform across all aspects of the organisation if we are to realise our vision of unleashing the power of statistics for a better Australia, and achieve our objectives.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

The ABS's key strategic direction is to transform for the future. In order to achieve this, the ABS has a set of transformation goals.

Transformation Goals

Over the next five years, the ABS will implement a wide reaching transformation program, supported by a new structure and governance arrangements, and substantial Government investment in modernising our infrastructure. Transformation will enable the ABS to engage better with partners, develop more responsive solutions, make the best use of technologies, and be a high performing organisation. The goals of the transformation are described against six organisational elements:

Environment

We collaborate with stakeholders to understand and respond to the current and future external environment.

Strategy

Our strategies enable rigorous statistics, strong partnerships, and effective use of resources.

Governance

Our governance supports responsive decision making, prioritisation and management of enterprise risk.

People

We have a diverse, expert, motivated and agile workforce.

Culture

We are high performing, aligned, engaged, innovative and accountable.

Infrastructure

Our infrastructure is effective, efficient and adaptable.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

While we transform, our strategic priorities are to:

Deliver high quality official statistics

• continue to deliver quality, timely statistics on important matters
• maximise the value of public data through integration and improved access.

• engage and partner to build statistical solutions and capability
• reduce the burden on respondents and protect the confidentiality of information provided.

• innovate to facilitate more agile and efficient outcomes
• use technology wisely to transform our infrastructure and processes
• promote a high performance culture.

The ABS is working to strengthen its relationships with the providers and users of its data, including Australian households, businesses and governments, to ensure it is able to perform its statutory functions well. This includes consulting with data providers and instituting procedures that minimise the burden of providing data to the ABS. It also includes consulting with data users to ensure the range of statistics collected and disseminated by the ABS is appropriate to their needs. The key data users for our programs, including Government data users, are set out throughout this document, as part of the description of each ABS program.

The ABS will work transparently with stakeholders to develop its work program. Collaborative partnerships with Australian, state and territory government agencies contribute to a strong national statistical system. Active engagement and consultation with key stakeholders, including the Australian Government and the Australian Statistics Advisory Council, to prioritise and determine the annual ABS Forward Work Program will ensure we continue to meet Australia's information requirements now and into the future.

For further information on the strategic direction, priorities, objectives and transformation agenda, please see the ABS Corporate Plan (cat. no. 1005.0).