Data and Statistical Practices Group

Dr Phillip Gould is the Deputy Australian Statistician leading the Data and Statistical Practices Group.

The Data and Statistical Practices Group is responsible for sourcing the data the ABS uses in its work and disseminating the official statistics, data and insights it produces to inform Australia's important decisions. The Group provides statistical infrastructure to support work of the ABS and leads its work to expand and improve data sharing, data integration and microdata access across government. It also provides methodological and data science leadership to the ABS.

Phillip joined the ABS in September 2024 from the Department of Health and Aged Care where he was the Chief Data Officer and First Assistant Secretary for the Health Economics and Research Division. Phillip has worked across the private, university and government sectors, including at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet with roles in the COVID-19 response taskforce and in establishing the Office of the National Data Commissioner, and previously at the ABS where he helped establish the ABS’s data integration program.

Phillip holds a PhD in Time Series Econometrics and has spent much of his career championing the use of data to inform important decisions.

Anders Holmberg joined the ABS in September 2019 as the Chief Methodologist.

Anders has a background as a survey methodologist, developing both theory and practice within data collection methodology, survey sampling theory and register based statistical methods.

Immediately prior to joining the ABS, Anders was the Chief Methodologist at Statistics Norway. He was also the Principal Statistician at Statistics New Zealand from 2014 to 2016, where he worked with traditional censuses and administrative data systems.

In 2012-13, Anders was responsible for the management of the Cambodian Socio-Economic Survey, as well as training staff throughout the statistical value chain. He enjoyed a 13 year career at Statistics Sweden (1999-2012), undertaking a variety of roles. Prior to this, he was a lecturer at Örebro University.

He is a member of Statistics Sweden’s and Statistics Netherlands’ Scientific advisory boards and has a PhD in statistics from Uppsala University with the thesis "Essays on Model Assisted Survey Planning".

Jacqui Vitas is the General Manager of the Methodology & Data Science Division.  

• Andrew McMahon, Data Science & Emerging Methods Branch
• Paul Schubert, Statistical Methodology Branch
• Kristen Stone, Data Science & Capability Branch

Marcel van Kints is the General Manager of the Statistical Infrastructure and Integration Division.

• Emily Walter, Digital Services Branch
• Luke Hendrickson, Data Integration Services Branch
• Simon Costello, Location Infrastructure Branch
• AJ Lanyon, Business Register and Statistical Standards Branch
• Adam Harris, National Disability Data Asset and Data Systems Branch

Nicky joined the Australian Bureau of Statistics in August 2024, taking up the role of General Manager of Data Sourcing. The Data Sourcing Division is responsible for design and delivery of data collection services, to support the delivery of high-quality statistical information crucial for informed decision-making. The Division is also responsible for several strategic initiatives that will enhance the ABS’ data sourcing capabilities.

Prior to joining the ABS, Nicky spent her career at Services Australia where she held several senior roles in areas including service delivery, operations management, programme and projects, information management and change management. Committed to fostering inclusive workplaces, Nicky has also held the role of LGBTQIA+ Senior Executive Ally, championing diversity and inclusiveness within the organisation she has served. Nicky holds a postgraduate qualification in Public Policy and Finance and is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Public Administration.

• Jodie Stevenson, Data Sourcing Design Branch
• Kathy Belka, Data Sourcing Operations Branch
• Michelle Gillies*, DA Modernisation Program Branch
• Pene Futcher, DA Modernisation Projects Branch

*Individual is acting, temporary or contractor in this role