Australia's CPI 3.8% in December 2025: ABS Confirms Inflation Rise
About the Organizations Mentioned
Australian Bureau of Statistics
The **Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)** is Australia's independent national statistical agency, delivering trusted, objective data on economic, social, population, and environmental issues to inform government, business, and community decisions.[1][5] Founded as the Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics in 1905 under the Census and Statistics Act—just four years after Federation—it evolved into the modern ABS via the 1975 Australian Bureau of Statistics Act, cementing its role as a statutory authority in the Treasury portfolio.[4][6] This legislation empowers the Australian Statistician to collect broad statistical information while enforcing strict confidentiality, ensuring data integrity amid growing demands from tech-driven economies.[1][2] Key achievements include conducting the flagship five-yearly Census of Population and Housing, which captures Australia's demographic snapshot and is published online for public access, alongside vital surveys like the Labour Force (tracking employment trends), Australian Health Survey, and probes into crime, income, business activity, and environmental impacts.[2][4] The ABS coordinates statistical efforts across governments to avoid duplication, standardize data, and maximize public data use—crucial for businesses leveraging analytics in AI and big data eras.[3][7] It advises on standards, boosts statistical literacy, and leads internationally, enhancing capabilities in Asia-Pacific.[3][5] Today, the ABS thrives with a Canberra headquarters and regional offices, emphasizing digital innovation to make statistics timely, accessible, and relevant—vital for tech-savvy enterprises navigating post-pandemic recovery and sustainability challenges.[5][7] Ongoing transformations focus on governance, workforce diversity, and data integration, positioning it as a resilient hub in Australia's data landscape.[8] For business leaders, the ABS's insights drive evidence-based strategies, from market forecasting to policy advocacy. (Word count: 298)