Data and Statistical Practices Group

Michael Smedes is the Acting 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.

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".

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

Marcel van Kints is the General Manager of the Statistical Production and Digital Services Division. The Division delivers microdata and integrated data services; is responsible for evolving data sources, standards and methods for household and business statistics and turning it into statistical assets; and uplifting digital capabilities for the ABS.

Marcel has held various senior positions at the ABS, particularly in the macroeconomic statistics program. Marcel has complemented his ABS experience with international experience at the United Nations in New York.

Marcel has tertiary qualifications in economics and statistics, and holds a Masters of Public Administration from the Australian National University. Marcel has authored several conference and academic articles.

• Emily Walter, Digital Services Branch
• Rachel Price*, Program Manager, Data Integration Services Branch
• David Zago, Household Statistical Production and Futures Branch
• Tom Lay*, Business Statistical Production and Futures Branch

Jodie Stevenson is the Acting 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.

• Pene Futcher, Data Modernisation Projects Branch
• Michelle Gillies*, Data Modernisation Program Branch
• Jo-Marie Moore*, Data Sourcing Design Branch
• Kathy Belka, Data Sourcing Operations Branch

Michael Smedes is the ABS Chief Data Officer and General Manager of the Statistical Infrastructure Division. 

He has an extensive background in official statistics having worked at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Statistics New Zealand, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations across a broad range of statistics. Prior to his current role, he was most recently the General Manager of the Social Statistics Division at the ABS, and prior to that the global advisor on national accounts at the United Nations.

• Simon Costello, Location Infrastructure Branch
• AJ Lanyon, Business Register and Statistical Standards Branch
• Adam Harris, National Disability Data Asset and Data Systems Branch

*Individual is acting, temporary or contractor in this role