About the Data Acquisition Modernisation Program

The ABS collects information that helps shape Australia's future, informing Australia’s important decisions by delivering relevant, trusted and objective data, statistics and insights. We do this using lots of different types of data and techniques.  Information collected through surveys from people, households and businesses is a very important part of our statistical process. 

We know people expect quick, safe, and easy ways to interact with government. In a world where most people manage their lives on mobile devices, we recognise that we must evolve to meet them there.

Modernising how we collect data isn’t just about making things easier, it’s about keeping data accurate, trustworthy and secure.   The Data Acquisition Modernisation program focuses on a digital first approach to encourage and support online participation and improve usability, accessibility, flexibility and security.

This program was funded in the 2024-25 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook over four years for the ABS to continue to improve how we collect data and interact with Australians.

This stage of the program will:

• improve the digital experience for four key surveys and allow for modern, accessible and secure data collection processes,
• transform and modernise our contact centre to improve the experience for our customers and staff,
• continue to modernise and replace legacy IT systems by transitioning key products and processes to a secure and scalable cloud environment.

This program is a big step forward. It’s not just upgrades; it’s a new way of working. It supports other changes happening at the ABS, which are all designed to make it easier to interact with the ABS and allow us to deliver insights faster.