How the ABS is minimising the reporting load placed on businesses and organisations

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The ABS is working on ways to make it easier for businesses and organisations to provide data.

These include: 

  • implementing ABS online survey forms. Around 80% of ABS surveys of businesses and organisations can be completed online. About 90% of those who complete ABS business surveys do so online.
  • using administrative data to supplement or replace direct data collection. This has reduced the number of surveys we run, and the number of businesses and organisations required to take part in surveys. The use of administrative data does not, however, completely remove the need to undertake direct data collection.
  • accepting careful estimates when final information is not available. We also offer a choice for businesses and organisations to report data over the telephone.
  • targeted use of improved data estimation techniques to reduce the number of businesses and organisations that need to complete some of our surveys by up to 25%.
  • changing the way we produce agricultural statistics. Working with industry partners, we have developed new methods for producing agriculture statistics using existing administrative, industry, survey, and satellite crop mapping data. This has enabled the ABS to discontinue large scale agricultural surveys including the Agricultural Census, saving Australian farmers collectively around 20,000 hours each year and reducing the total time spent reporting agricultural data to the ABS by over 97%.
  • offering the option for small businesses to use About ABS Business Reporting. ABS Business Reporting allows businesses to see information from their own accounting software on screen while they complete their survey, streamlining the process and saving time. 

 

By making it easier for people, businesses, and organisations to participate in ABS surveys, we will continue to produce timely and rich data. This data helps local communities, governments, and businesses to make informed decisions and deliver the services that matter. This means better outcomes for all Australians.