Steps the ABS is taking to minimise reporting load placed on businesses and organisations

The ABS is working on ways to make it easier for businesses and organisations to provide data.

These include: 

• the implementation of ABS online survey forms. Around 80% of ABS surveys of businesses and organisations can be completed online - the take up rate is about 90%.
• use of administrative data to supplement or replace direct data collection. This has reduced the number of surveys we run, and the number of businesses and organisations required to take part in each survey. The use of administrative data does not, however, completely remove the need to undertake direct data collection.
• acceptance of careful estimates where complete information is not readily available. We also provide an option for businesses and organisations to report data over the telephone.
• the use of data estimation tools to reduce the number of businesses and organisations that need to complete a survey by up to 25%.
• changes to the way we produce agricultural statistics. Working with industry experts, we have produced experimental statistics for grains, sugarcane, and canola using existing sources and satellite crop mapping. This approach reduces the number of surveys needed to produce statistics. For example, we no longer need to run the Agricultural Census, which reduced the reporting burden for over 100,000 farming businesses.
• working with businesses and organisations through the Large Business Engagement project to understand the reporting experience and look for ways we can collect information more effectively.
• development of ABS Business Reporting, a quicker and easier way for small and medium businesses to report financial data to the ABS. ABS Business Reporting allows businesses to securely connect to their accounting software to help them to prepare and submit a report to the ABS. Eligible small businesses using Xero or MYOB accounting software have been offered the application to report Quarterly Business Indicators from September quarter 2023. Over the next year, the application will be offered to more businesses, using different accounting software, and to report for other ABS financial surveys. To find out more, visit About ABS Business Reporting. 

By making it easier for people and businesses and organisations to participate, we will produce timely, richer data. This data will support local communities, governments, and businesses and organisations to make informed decisions and deliver the services that matter. This means better outcomes for all Australians.