2025 Minor Review of the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG) - Consultation Round 2

Overview

In April 2025, the ABS began a minor review of the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG). The review will update the ASCCEG to better represent Cultural and Ethnic groups at the 4-digit level of the classification. Broader aspects of the classification including the conceptual underpinning will not be reviewed as part of this process. Updates to the ASCCEG will ensure collection and production of high-quality data, improving data analysis and decision making.

This consultation provides an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed changes to the ASCCEG. 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.

The updated ASCCEG is scheduled for release in November 2025.

Why your views matter

This consultation process is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to provide feedback on the proposed changes for inclusion in the next version of ASCCEG. The closing date for submissions is the 29 August 2025.

The ASCCEG is the Australian statistical standard for classifying cultural and ethnic groups. 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:

• 2025 ASCCEG Proposed ASCCEG Changes
• 2025 ASCCEG Proposed Structure
• 2025 ASCCEG Review FAQs
• 2025 ASCCEG Review Survey Questions

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

2. A link to the 2025 ASCCEG Review Survey is provided below. Click the ‘Online Survey’ link and you will be guided 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.