Recommendations

Recommendation 1

4.81    The committee recommends that all future Privacy Impact Assessments relating to the census, are conducted externally with the final report published on the ABS website 12 months in advance of the census to which it relates.

4.82    Following the release of a PIA recommending changes to future censuses, consultation across the Australian community should be undertaken by the ABS with the outcomes clearly documented on the ABS website no less than six months before a future census.

Recommendation 2

4.83    The committee recommends that the ABS update its internal guidelines to make clear that consultation requires active engagement with the non-government and private sector.

Recommendation 3

5.46    The committee recommends that the ABS publicly commit to reporting any breach of census related data to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner within one week of becoming aware of the breach.

Recommendation 4

6.89    The committee recommends that the Australian Government commit the necessary funding for the 2021 census in the 2017–18 Budget.

Recommendation 5

6.90    The committee recommends that the ABS conduct open tendering processes for future census solutions requiring the participation of the private sector.

Recommendation 6

6.91    The committee recommends that the ABS give greater attention to intellectual property provisions in contracts that include licensing and royalty arrangements.

Recommendation 7

6.92    The committee recommends that the 2021 eCensus application be subject to an Information Security Registered Assessors Program Assessment.

Recommendation 8

6.93    The committee recommends that the ABS take a more proactive role in validating the resilience of the eCensus application for the 2021 census.

Recommendation 9

6.94    The committee recommends that the Department of Finance review its ICT Investment Approval Process to ensure that projects such as the 2016 Census are covered by the cabinet two-pass process.

Recommendation 10

6.95    The committee recommends that the Australian Government provide portfolio stability for the ABS.

Recommendation 11

6.96    The committee recommends responsible ministers seek six-monthly briefings on the progress of census preparations. These briefings should cover issues including, but not limited to, cyber security, system redundancy, procurement processes and the capacity of the ABS to manage risks associated with the census.

Recommendation 12

6.106    The committee recommends that the ABS consider establishing a dedicated telephone assistance line for people who require special assistance in completing the census.

Recommendation 13

7.28    The committee recommends that the maximum value of fines and any other penalties relating to the census be explicitly stated.

Recommendation 14

7.29    The committee recommends that the Australian Bureau of Statistics develop a clear communications strategy outlining the outcomes for non-compliance with the census, including resolution processes and the value of possible penalties.

Recommendation 15

7.57    The committee recommends that the Australian Government provide sufficient funding for the ABS to undertake its legislated functions to a continued high standard.

Recommendation 16

7.58    The committee recommends that the responsible minister act as a matter of urgency to assist the ABS in filling senior positions left vacant for greater than 6 months.

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