ABS Corporate Plan

As Australia’s national statistical agency we are an official source of independent and reliable data and insights. We tell the story of Australia - its economy, its people, its challenges and opportunities.

For over 120 years our data has helped shape decisions that affect every Australian. We collect and analyse a wide range of social, economic, business, population and environmental data to deliver meaningful insights that bring numbers to life. We’re evolving how we collect, analyse and share data to better meet the changing needs of governments, communities and businesses. As Australia becomes more digitally connected and data-driven we’re modernising our systems and approaches to deliver faster, more relevant insights that support informed decisions and improve outcomes for all Australians. 

In 2026 we’ll conduct a secure and trusted Census of Population and Housing (the Census)—an opportunity to tell Australia’s story and guide future planning. Over the next year we’ll finalise preparations to ensure it’s an easy and secure experience for all Australians. 

We continue to work with other data providers and custodians to unlock new data sources and enhance the availability and usability of alternative data sources for statistics, and to generate new insights. Our Big Data, Timely Insights (BDTI) program is rebuilding core statistical tools and processes in a cloud-based data analytics environment. This initiative will enable us to deliver a complete monthly measure of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) starting on 26 November 2025, offering more timely and detailed insights into Australia’s economic conditions. 

We are modernising our data acquisition processes to respond to the global long-term decline in survey response rates and to adopt a digital-first approach to data collection. This involves reforming and modernising data sourcing methods, creating simple, safe and user-friendly digital experiences, and using data from administrative and other sources.  

We play a key role in uplifting Australia’s data capabilities. By building and maintaining partnerships with both government and the private sector we aim to build data integration capability, linking public and private datasets for policy relevant research. We will continue to lead the Australian Public Service (APS) Data Profession with the goal to attract, develop and retain the data capabilities of our data professionals and the APS more broadly. 

We remain committed to continuous improvement—adapting our data, technology, workforce and leadership to deliver trusted insights for today and tomorrow.

The ABS Corporate Plan 2025–26 is our key planning document. It gives an overview of ABS’ operating environment, key priorities, challenges, activities, statistical outputs and how we will measure our success.

As the accountable authority of the ABS, I present the ABS Corporate Plan 2025–26, which covers the periods of 2025–26 to 2028–29, as required under section 35(1)(b) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. 

I look forward to reporting to the Australian Parliament and the public on our performance in delivering on this Plan in the ABS Annual Report 2025–26.

Dr David Gruen AO 
Australian Statistician