The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has today published the independent findings of the second phase of the 2026 Census Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), along with its response.
The ABS is undertaking a three phased PIA for the 2026 Census. This approach helps ensure privacy considerations are central to ABS decisions on the design of the Census and the use of Census data.
The ABS has agreed with all the recommendations in the second phase. Recommendations will be implemented as Census preparations continue.
Jenny Telford, ABS head of Census, said the move to undertaking a three phased assessment and the agreement to recommendations from Phase 2 reflects how privacy considerations are integral to the Census and the ABS' work.
"The latest PIA phase considered changes to how data is collected and used in the Census. It included consideration of allowing people to opt-in to receive information and participate in the Census through their myGov account. The second phase also makes recommendations around the potential use of administrative data to enhance data quality for the 2026 Census.
"Our agreement to the recommendations shows we're committed to a best-practice approach to privacy.
"We've been applying recommendations from Phase 1 in Census planning since February 2024 and will begin implementing Phase 2 recommendations in 2025."
IIS Partners (Information Integrity Solutions) conducted Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the PIA. Planning is now underway for Phase 3 which ABS expects to undertake in the first half of 2025.
