Data missing on two of nation’s ‘biggest issues’ as Australian Bureau of Statistics fumbles key survey

<p>Economics expert criticises last-minute cancellation of report that would shed light on cost-of-living and housing crises</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/sep/10/australia-news-live-nampijinpa-price-littleproud-pacific-albanese-indian-immigration-sussan-ley-coalition-liberal-labor-koala-park-nsw-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>An attempt by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to cut costs and corners led to the “shocking” and last-minute cancellation of a key survey that would have cast light on how households have navigated the cost of living crisis.</p><p>Newly released ABS briefing documents to Andrew Leigh, the assistant minister for Treasury, reveal how the Canberra-based agency scrambled but <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-statements/survey-income-and-housing-results-will-not-be-released">ultimately failed</a> to salvage its long-awaited survey on income and housing for 2023-4, which had been due for release in July.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/10/abs-income-and-housing-survey-delayed-briefing-documents-show">Continue reading...</a>