MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN STATISTICIAN

I am pleased to present the ABS Workplace Diversity Action Plan (WDAP) 2013-2017.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is committed to a diverse workforce that is reflective of the Australian community and supports the ABS in:

• the understanding and meeting of client needs;
• improved decision making; and
• creating a productive and sustainable workforce.

This, in turn, helps to ensure that we continue to provide a high quality statistical service.

The ABS recognises that valuing our employee diversity, and capitalising on the unique perspectives and talents this brings, encourages an innovative, productive and fulfilling workplace that will continue to attract and retain employees and make the ABS an employer of choice.

Through the ABS WDAP 2013-2017, we will continue to build an ongoing commitment to identifying and addressing barriers to employment opportunities that may be experienced by some people in our community and workforce. This WDAP sets out key strategies to further increase the diversity of our workforce and enable the ABS to remain competitive in the labour market.

Over the next four years, the ABS will focus on increasing the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to 2.7 per cent of our total workforce (by 2015) and also improving our representation of employees with disability. This is in response to decreasing representation of these groups in the broader Australian Public Service (APS).

I would like to thank those who have contributed to the development of the ABS WDAP
2013-17. We all have a fundamental role to play in achieving the objectives of this WDAP and I encourage everyone to support the Plan in your day-to-day working practices. This will contribute to an environment and culture that promotes and supports diversity within the ABS.

Brian Pink
Australian Statistician