ABS and AIATSIS partner to revise National Language Classification

Joseph Guenzler Published March 29, 2025 at 8.30am (AWST)

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Ngemba man Leonard Hill was appointed as AIATSIS chief executive last year. Image: supplied.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released the updated Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL), aiming to better reflect the languages spoken at home by Australians.

The update follows two formal consultation periods, along with input from language experts and communities.

The ABS collaborated with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) to improve representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

Ngemba man and AIATSIS chief executive Leonard Hill said the update was the result of strong collaboration with the ABS.

"AIATSIS is very pleased to see the results of our close collaboration with the ABS on the review and update of the ASCL," Mr Hill said.

"This will ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are more accurately represented in the language data collected through the Australian Census."

The 2025 version includes a number of major changes including a new four-level hierarchy and coding structure.

Sixty-two new stand-alone Language options have been created, 73 per cent (45) of these are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages.

Forty-one Languages have had label changes, 49 per cent (20) of these are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages.

Forty-three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages have been linked to another, existing Language group.

Seventeen Languages have been retired to a related 'not elsewhere classified' (NEC) category, 71 per cent (12) of these are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages.

The 2025 update to the ASCL reflects the growing need for accurate, consistent language data that supports service delivery, planning and policy development.

By strengthening the classification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, the ABS aims to ensure greater visibility and recognition of Australia's linguistic diversity across key sectors and national frameworks such as Closing the Gap.

Full details of the changes are available in the Data downloads section of the 2025 ASCL.