ABS releases first 'Measuring What Matters' framework
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The news: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the first iteration of the Measuring What Matters dashboard.
The numbers: There are 50 indicators that count as part of the framework, with 80% of the numbers updated by the ABS in the latest release. These come from a raft of sources and aim to give a clearer picture of how Australians are faring under five themes: healthy, secure, sustainable, cohesive and prosperous.
The context: The dashboard is the much-awaited wellbeing measure initiated by Treasurer Jim Chalmers as a way to broaden the economic conversation to include both both GDP and more human-focused indicators.
What they said: "This newly renovated dashboard will place a national focus on wellbeing beyond other critical indicators like GDP, employment and wages — embedding the framework as a robust and permanent source of accountability," Chalmers and Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh said in a joint statement.
"The second comprehensive statement on wellbeing, due to be released in 2026, will examine trends in more depth to better reflect on how we are tracking over time, where we’re doing well and where we can do better," they said.
"Measuring What Matters is about building a more inclusive, fair and equitable nation that provides more opportunities and builds a better future for all Australians."
The source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
