Ministerial Awareness and Briefings on ANAO Findings for Target 3 Data Issues

Question

Senator O'SULLIVAN: What dataset was used in 2024 to determine the number of preschool enrolments? Ms Winslow: As I mentioned, I believe that data is drawn from the official preschool ABS data collection. Senator O'SULLIVAN: That's the 2023 preschool-would it be that year? Ms Winslow: Yes, but we do get regular updates on that data annually. Senator O'SULLIVAN: What dataset was used in 2024 to determine the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children-the denominator, if you like? Ms Winslow: Again, I believe it was through the ABS and preschool data collections that governments use. Senator O'SULLIVAN: Minister, were you aware that the data sources used to measure the performance target 3 are from different time periods? Senator Walsh: No. Senator O'SULLIVAN: Had the department briefed you on the findings of the ANAO audit into this matter? Senator Walsh: I'd have to take that on notice. The department may have further information. Ms Winslow: We certainly have noted the findings of the ANAO report. As I mentioned, that refresh of target 3 under the national agreement is looking to address some of the issues with the methodology under the current- Senator O'SULLIVAN: Can you explain to us, just for the record, what the ANAO found? Ms Winslow: I don't have the detail in front of me, but I know that they did draw out issues, particularly where there might be slight misalignments in the time periods in which some of the data is captured and reported on. That's certainly something we're looking at through the target 3 refresh process.

Answer

Please see the attached PDF.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• SQ26-000711.pdf (opens in a new tab)