ABS Strategic Priorities 2016-17This Corporate Plan articulates the ABS organisational objectives and strategic priorities in this transformation context. It highlights the ambidextrous nature of the ABS, recognising that we need to continue delivering high quality and timely official statistics, while innovating to take advantage of new information opportunities, strengthening our partnerships, and driving high performance.The environment in which the ABS operates is changing, and the ABS recognises the need to transform significantly across all aspects of the organisation if we are to realise our vision of unleashing the power of statistics for a better Australia, and achieve our objectives.Australian Bureau of StatisticsABS_869e9de4-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64eThe ABS is Australia's national statistical agency, providing trusted official statistics on a wide range of economic, social, population and environmental matters of importance to Australia. The ABS also has an important leadership role, coordinating statistical activities and collaborating with official bodies in the collection, compilation, analysis and distribution of statistics. This assists in maximising the value of government investment on these activities, and ensures outputs are fit-for-purpose.David W. KalischAustralian StatisticianAustralian GovernmentThe Statement of Expectations for the ABS outlines the Australian Government's expectations of us as we carry out our functions. The Statement recognises the independence of the ABS as a statutory authority, and also recognises the need for the ABS to take into account the Government’s broad policy framework in performing our role and meeting our responsibilities.Australian TreasuryAs part of the Treasury portfolio, the ABS maintains a close relationship with the Treasury, while acting independently and objectively in the performance of its statistical functions and exercising its powers as set out in legislation. Australian ParliamentThe ABS is accountable to the Parliament, and ultimately to the public, through the Treasury Ministers, the Parliamentary Committee process, and tabling of our Annual Report.Australian Statistics Advisory CouncilThe Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) is the key advisory body to the Minister and the ABS in relation to our statistical functions. ASAC provides valuable input to the directions and priorities for the ABS work program, and reports annually to Parliament. ASAC meets at least twice a year, and Council members are chosen to represent a broad cross-section of perspectives, covering government, business, academic and community interests. All state and territory governments are typically represented.Australian Government AgenciesCollaborative partnerships with Australian, state and territory government agencies contribute to a strong national statistical system. Active engagement and consultation with key stakeholders, including ASAC, to prioritise the annual ABS Forward Work Program ensures we continue to meet Australia’s information requirements now and into the future.Australian State AgenciesAustralian Territory AgenciesUnleashing the power of statistics for a better Australia_869e9de5-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64eThrough delivery of high quality official statistics and value-added statistical solutions, we aim to inform decisions on important issues. We expect this will lead to a more informed community; more efficient markets, economic growth and productivity enhancements; better policy development and evaluation; and targeted and more efficient service delivery._869e9de6-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64eTrustMaintaining the trust and support of government, business and the community is critical for the ABS to effectively carry out its functions.EngagementThis is achieved through engaging with users within government, business and the community to ensure they have confidence in the statistical resources available to enable them to make informed decisions.SecurityTo preserve the ongoing trust of our respondents and data providers we will continue to maintain the security of the information provided to us; and we will work with others to reduce burden by more effectively using the wealth of existing government and non-government data resourcesResponsivenessThe ABS aims to ensure Australia is well served by a responsive, innovative and dynamic statistical system which continues to meet changing information requirements in a cost effective manner.InnovationCost EffectivenessPartnershipThis is achieved by partnering with others across the national statistical system, which embraces statistics and data held by Commonwealth and state and territory agencies, as well as collaborating with non-government organisations, to maximise the value of public and private sector data and enhance insights for informed decision making. CollaborationDeregulationABS transformation goals take into account the Government"s policy agenda. The ABS is contributing to the Government"s deregulation agenda by looking for opportunities to reduce compliance costs for businesses and the community and contributing to the Government’s $1 billion red and green tape reduction target.DigitalizationThe ABS is supporting the Government's digital transformation agenda through increasingly using internet based modes of data collection, with the 'digital first' 2016 Census of Population and Housing a major initiative; as well as establishing machine-to-machine data provision for businesses.Machine-ReadabilityInformationThe ABS is continuing to contribute to whole-of-government discussions aimed at improving the Government's use of data to inform policy and tailor service delivery through making safe, effective use of data and improved statistical capability, capitalising on ABS expertise in these areas. PolicyServiceExpertiseAlignmentAPS VALUES -- The ABS demonstrates strong alignment with, and commitment to the APS Values which underpin and guide our decisions, behaviours and interactions with the Government, our partners, stakeholders, respondents and our staff.ImpartialityIMPARTIAL -- The APS is apolitical and provides the Government with advice that is frank, honest, timely and based on the best available evidence. ABS demonstrates this value by providing professional and objective statistical solutions with integrity, which are timely and fit-for-purpose.CommitmentCOMMITTED TO SERVICE -- The APS is professional, objective, innovative and efficient, and works collaboratively to achieve the best results for the Australian community and the Government. ABS demonstrates this value by delivering the priority information that Australia needs, being innovative, responsive and agile and by collaborating to maximise the value of public information.AccountabilityACCOUNTABLE -- The APS is open and accountable to the Australian community under the law and within the framework of Ministerial responsibility. ABS demonstrates this value by using resources efficiently and effectively, adopting sound statistical methods and transparent practices.RespectfulnessRESPECTFUL -- The APS respects all people, including their rights and their heritage. ABS demonstrates this value by engaging with stakeholders and providers in a respectful and professional manner, seeking to minimise respondent burden and valuing diverse perspectives across our workforce and stakeholders.EthicsETHICAL -- The APS demonstrates leadership, is trustworthy, and acts with integrity, in all that it does. ABS demonstrates this value by making decisions about priorities and resource use which seek to maximise the public benefit, improving the accessibility of information to all, while protecting the confidentiality of sensitive information provided to us.StatisticsDELIVER HIGH QUALITY STATISTICS_869e9de7-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64e1During our transformation, the ABS is continuing to deliver high quality official statistics on a wide range of economic, social, population and environmental matters of importance to Australia – this is central to the purpose and role of the ABS. Delivering a successful 2016 Census of Population and Housing, our largest and one of our most important statistical activities, is a high priority for the ABS. Better utilisation of data collected for administrative purposes and improving the availability and use of Australia’s statistical assets is a key focus during transformation. Quality & TimelinessContinue to deliver quality, timely statistics on important matters_869e9de8-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64e1.1ValueMaximise the value of public data through integration and improved access_869e9e5c-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64e1.2PartnershipsSTRENGTHEN OUR PARTNERSHIPS_869e9f2e-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64e2While the ABS is a large information provider, we are not alone in the critical task of collecting and reporting quality statistics for public use. We are strengthening our partnerships to ensure that we are able to effectively meet increasingly complex information needs, including working with others to provide innovative, value-added statistical solutions. Organisations and individuals who provide information are also important partners in the statistical system. At the same time as we increase the statistics available for informed decision making, we are pursuing ways to reduce the burden on respondents and minimise collection costs, while maintaining community trust and protecting the privacy of individuals.Solutions & CapabilityEngage and partner to build statistical solutions and capability_869ea050-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64e2.1Burden & ConfidentialityReduce the burden on respondents and protect the confidentiality of information provided_869ea122-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64e2.2PerformanceDRIVE HIGH PERFORMANCE_869ea1f4-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64e3The ABS is driving high performance across all aspects of the organisation. Crafting innovative solutions; capitalising on enabling technologies; and supporting, motivating and equipping staff to perform to their maximum potential, is empowering the ABS to transform successfully for the future.InnovationInnovate to facilitate more agile and efficient outcomes_869ea38e-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64e3.1TechnologyUse technology wisely to transform our infrastructure and processes_869ea46a-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64e3.2CulturePromote a high performance culture_869ea546-747e-11e6-bdf0-9a5b42b9d64e3.32016-01-012020-12-312016-09-06http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/ADB029B6F8E9D1F9CA25801E00150B03/$File/1005%2016_17.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net