2025 Minor Review of the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG) - Consultation Round 1

Closed 16 May 2025

Opened 9 Apr 2025

Contact

standards@abs.gov.au

Feedback updated 14 Jul 2025

We asked

The public consultation ran from 9 April 2025 to 16 May 2025. The ABS sought feedback on the scope of the review (below) and requested other issues also be identified. 

2025 Minor Review of the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG) scope:

  1. Investigation into the addition of new Cultural and Ethnic groups (4-digit level)
  1. Appropriate representation of existing Cultural and Ethnic groups (labelling, spellings)  
  1. Investigation into retiring declining Cultural and Ethnic groups (4-digit level)

For more detailed information on the scope, please refer to 2025 ASCCEG Review - Scope v1.0, document attached at the end of this page, under the heading Related.

You said

This public consultation generated 43 submissions from a range of individuals and organisations.   

The feedback we received was diverse and insightful. It highlighted the importance of Census data products and the need for continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of users.

Most of the items in the scope were broadly supported for the review. The topics in the scope that attracted the most submissions were the identification of new 4-digit groups and the inaccurate representation of existing groups. 

In addition to the issues outlined in the scope, a number of other concerns were raised, including: 

  • The need to revise ASCCEG more broadly, to investigate the current structure and appropriate placement of existing Cultural and Ethnic groups.
  • Some submissions asked for clarification on the labelling and naming conventions used in the ASCCEG, along with clarification about why some groups were included at the 4-digit level while others are not.
  • The need to provide further explanatory information regarding application of the classification criteria and the use of ASCCEG for measuring ancestry captured in the Census.

We did

The ABS reviewed all 43 Phase 1 submissions and has drafted changes to the ASCCEG. The proposed changes to the ASCCEG and supporting information will be presented via the ABS Consultation Hub on 4 August 2025. Stakeholders will be able to provide feedback on the proposed changes via this second phase of consultation before the final update is published in November 2025. 

Any issues or feedback identified in this process, but not investigated, will be considered in a future review.

Future consultation 

The second phase of public consultation on the proposed changes to the ASCCEG is expected to be conducted via the ABS Consultation Hub starting 4 August 2025.

Further information regarding Phase 1 is also available in the FAQ and Scope documents, at the end of this page, under the heading Related.

Any questions? 

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

Overview

In 2025, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is undertaking a minor review of the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG). The purpose of the review is to ensure Cultural and Ethnic groups are accurately represented 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.

The review will be informed by feedback from individuals and organisations, data from the 2011, 2016 and 2021 Censuses, and feedback from the 2026 Census topic consultation.

The updated ASCCEG is currently scheduled for release in November 2025.

Why your views matter

The ASCCEG is the Australian statistical standard for classifying cultural and ethnic groups. Over time the ABS has received feedback from individuals and organisations about issues with the classification. This consultation is an opportunity for the public to comment on different aspects of the classification and advise the ABS on how the ASCCEG is currently used in Australia.

The information you provide will be used to inform the review and prepare for the 2026 Census.

To make a submission:

  1. Please read the information papers:
  • 2025 ASCCEG Review Scope
  • 2025 ASCCEG Review FAQs
  • 2025 ASCCEG Survey Questions
  • 2025 ASCCEG Review Timeline

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 Cultural and Ethnic Review Survey where you will be guided to provide feedback through a series of questions.

You are not required to answer every question, although your submission will be strengthened by your ability to respond as thoroughly as possible and by providing supporting evidence where possible.

The closing date for submissions is the 16th of May 2025.

Audiences

  • Data users
  • General Public
  • Stakeholders
  • Stakeholders

Interests

  • Customer Feedback
  • Population
  • Thoughts & Comments