As an agency of the Australian Government, the ABS is accountable to the Parliament, and ultimately to the public, through the Treasury ministers, the Parliamentary committee process, and the tabling of its annual report.

As the Accountable Authority for the ABS, the Australian Statistician is required to establish and maintain an appropriate system of risk oversight and management for the ABS. This includes an appropriate system of internal controls which sets out corporate governance structures and processes. These controls assist ABS staff members to undertake their responsibilities in a way that meets community expectations of public accountability, probity and transparency.

Corporate governance arrangements ensure the effective operation of the ABS, including transparent decision-making, accountable leadership, sound risk management, and effective planning and review processes.