2023 - 24 Review of Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL)

Closed 13 Dec 2024

Opened 2 Oct 2024

Contact

ASCL Review team

standards@abs.gov.au

Feedback updated 21 Mar 2025

We asked

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) commenced a second round of public consultation on the Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL) on 2 October 2024 and was open for 11 weeks. The first round of public consultation, held in late 2023, sought feedback on the scope of the review. The second round of public consultation sought feedback on the proposed changes to the classification as well as any key implementation issues for users of the ASCL.

The aim of the review is to update the ASCL to reflect the Languages used in the current Australian community. These updates will help ensure the production of high-quality data, improved data analysis and informed decision making. Submissions from this second round of public consultation will inform the changes made to the ASCL in preparation for the 2026 Census.

You said

A small number of submissions were received from individuals and organisations.

Submissions received suggested:

  • Additional languages
  • Changes to ASCL labels and the placement of languages in the new structure
  • Changes to the ASCL that have not been investigated in the current review.

The ABS did not receive any submissions that raised major concerns about the proposed changes to the ASCL.

We did

The ABS has completed reviewing these submissions and finalising changes to the ASCL. The updated version of the classification, which implements the findings from the 2023-24 review, will be published on the ABS website on 28 March 2025.

The ABS thanks those who have taken the time to provide feedback during the two phases of consultation. 

Any feedback that has been provided, but not investigated in the current review, will be considered in the next review of ASCL.

Future consultation

While this was the final round of public consultation on the proposed changes to the ASCL, you can provide feedback on the ASCL at any time, by contacting the ABS using the email address below.

Any questions?

Please email standards@abs.gov.au with any questions on this consultation or for further information.

Overview

Overview

In 2023, the ABS began a major review of the Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL). The review will update the ASCL to better reflect languages that are widely used in the Australian community. Updates to the ASCL will ensure collection and production of high-quality data, improving data analysis and decision making.

This consultation will provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed changes to the ASCL. These changes have been developed based on consultation with stakeholders to date, analysis of 2011, 2016, and 2021 Census data, research and the classification criteria.

Why your views matter

Why your view matters

This consultation process is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to provide feedback on the proposed changes for inclusion in the next version of ASCL, to be published in March 2025. The consultation will remain open for 10 weeks.

Submissions are sought regarding any inaccuracies, unintended significant impacts of the proposed changes, as well as any key implementation issues for users. Alternative suggestions, accompanied with documentation and evidence, including data, to support your claims are encouraged.

The information you provide will be used in the finalisation of the updated classification and to prepare for the 2026 Census.

To make a submission:

  1. Please read the information papers:
  • 2023 - 2024 Proposed ASCL Changes
  • 2023 - 2024 Proposed ASCL Structure
  • 2023 - 2024 Proposed ASCL Concordance
  • 2023 - 2024 ASCL Review FAQs
  • 2023 - 2024 ASCL Review Survey Questions

All papers are linked under the heading Related at the bottom of the ABS Consultation Hub Overview page.

  1. A link is provided on the ABS Consultation Hub for the Language Review Survey where you will be guided to provide feedback through a series of questions. You are not required to respond to every question, although your submission will be strengthened by your ability to answer this survey as thoroughly as possible and by providing supporting evidence where possible.

The closing date for submissions is 13 December 2024.

Audiences

  • General Public
  • Registered Users
  • Data users
  • Stakeholders
  • Stakeholders
  • Data Users

Interests

  • Population