ABS Strategic Priorities 2016-17This Corporate Plan articulates the ABS organisational objectives and strategic priorities inthis transformation context. It highlights the ambidextrous nature of the ABS, recognisingthat we need to continue delivering high quality and timely official statistics, whileinnovating to take advantage of new information opportunities, strengthening ourpartnerships, and driving high performance.The environment in which the ABS operates is changing, and the ABS recognises the needto transform significantly across all aspects of the organisation if we are to realise our visionof unleashing the power of statistics for a better Australia, and achieve our objectives.Australian Bureau of StatisticsABS_781fcc0c-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64eThe ABS is Australia's national statistical agency, providing trusted official statistics on awide range of economic, social, population and environmental matters of importance toAustralia.The ABS also has an important leadership role, coordinating statistical activities andcollaborating with official bodies in the collection, compilation, analysis and distribution ofstatistics. 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'sexpectations of us as we carry out our functions. The Statement recognises theindependence of the ABS as a statutory authority, and also recognises the need for the ABSto take into account the Government’s broad policy framework in performing our role andmeeting 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 functionsand 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 Committeeprocess, and tabling of our Annual Report.Australian Statistics Advisory CouncilThe Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) is the key advisory body to the Ministerand the ABS in relation to our statistical functions. ASAC provides valuable input to thedirections 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 broadcross-section of perspectives, covering government, business, academic and communityinterests. All state and territory governments are typically represented.Australian Government AgenciesCollaborative partnerships with Australian, state and territory government agenciescontribute to a strong national statistical system. Active engagement and consultation withkey stakeholders, including ASAC, to prioritise the annual ABS Forward Work Programensures 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_781fcdd8-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64eThrough delivery of high quality official statistics and value-added statistical solutions, weaim to inform decisions on important issues. We expect this will lead to a more informedcommunity; more efficient markets, economic growth and productivity enhancements;better policy development and evaluation; and targeted and more efficient service delivery._781fcea0-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64eTrustMaintaining the trust and support of government, business and the community is criticalfor the ABS to effectively carry out its functions.EngagementThis is achieved through engaging withusers within government, business and the community to ensure they have confidence inthe statistical resources available to enable them to make informed decisions.SecurityTo preservethe ongoing trust of our respondents and data providers we will continue to maintain thesecurity of the information provided to us; and we will work with others to reduce burdenby more effectively using the wealth of existing government and non-government dataresourcesResponsivenessThe ABS aims to ensure Australia is well served by a responsive, innovative and dynamicstatistical system which continues to meet changing information requirements in a costeffective manner.InnovationCost EffectivenessPartnershipThis is achieved by partnering with others across the national statisticalsystem, which embraces statistics and data held by Commonwealth and state and territoryagencies, as well as collaborating with non-government organisations, to maximise thevalue 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 ABSis contributing to the Government"s deregulation agenda by looking for opportunitiesto reduce compliance costs for businesses and the community and contributing to theGovernment’s $1 billion red and green tape reduction target.DigitalizationThe ABS is supporting the Government's digital transformation agenda through increasinglyusing internet based modes of data collection, with the 'digital first' 2016 Census ofPopulation and Housing a major initiative; as well as establishing machine-to-machine dataprovision 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 whichunderpin and guide our decisions, behaviours and interactions with the Government, ourpartners, stakeholders, respondents and our staff.ImpartialityIMPARTIAL -- The APS is apolitical and provides the Government with advice that is frank, honest, timelyand based on the best available evidence.ABS demonstrates this value by providing professional and objective statistical solutionswith integrity, which are timely and fit-for-purpose.CommitmentCOMMITTED TO SERVICE -- The APS is professional, objective, innovative and efficient, and works collaboratively toachieve 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 ofpublic information.AccountabilityACCOUNTABLE -- The APS is open and accountable to the Australian community under the law and within theframework of Ministerial responsibility.ABS demonstrates this value by using resources efficiently and effectively, adoptingsound 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 respectfuland professional manner, seeking to minimise respondent burden and valuing diverseperspectives 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 usewhich seek to maximise the public benefit, improving the accessibility of informationto all, while protecting the confidentiality of sensitive information provided to us.StatisticsDELIVER HIGH QUALITY STATISTICS_781fcf54-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64e1During our transformation, the ABS is continuing to deliver high quality official statisticson a wide range of economic, social, population and environmental matters of importanceto Australia – this is central to the purpose and role of the ABS. Delivering a successful 2016Census of Population and Housing, our largest and one of our most important statisticalactivities, is a high priority for the ABS. Better utilisation of data collected for administrativepurposes and improving the availability and use of Australia’s statistical assets is a key focusduring transformation. Quality & TimelinessContinue to deliver quality, timely statistics on important matters_781fd030-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64e1.1ValueMaximise the value of public data through integration and improved access_781fd102-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64e1.2PartnershipsSTRENGTHEN OUR PARTNERSHIPS_781fd1ca-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64e2While the ABS is a large information provider, we are not alone in the critical task ofcollecting and reporting quality statistics for public use. We are strengthening ourpartnerships to ensure that we are able to effectively meet increasingly complexinformation needs, including working with others to provide innovative, value-addedstatistical solutions. Organisations and individuals who provide information are alsoimportant partners in the statistical system. At the same time as we increase the statisticsavailable for informed decision making, we are pursuing ways to reduce the burdenon respondents and minimise collection costs, while maintaining community trust andprotecting the privacy of individuals.Solutions & CapabilityEngage and partner to build statistical solutions and capability_781fd2b0-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64e2.1Burden & ConfidentialityReduce the burden on respondents and protect the confidentiality of information provided_781fd378-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64e2.2PerformanceDRIVE HIGH PERFORMANCE_781fd440-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64e3The ABS is driving high performance across all aspects of the organisation. Craftinginnovative solutions; capitalising on enabling technologies; and supporting, motivating andequipping staff to perform to their maximum potential, is empowering the ABS to transformsuccessfully for the future.InnovationInnovate to facilitate more agile and efficient outcomes_781fd558-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64e3.1TechnologyUse technology wisely to transform our infrastructure and processes_781fd62a-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64e3.2CulturePromote a high performance culture_781fd6fc-747e-11e6-919d-d65842b9d64e3.32016-01-012020-12-312016-09-06http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/ADB029B6F8E9D1F9CA25801E00150B03/$File/1005%2016_17.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net