The Statistical Society of Australia (SSA) expresses its dismay regarding the dismissal of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Dr Erika McEntarfer, in the United States of America.

The motivation behind this action does not require analysis, since it has been made clear: the US government was unhappy with data published by the BLS.  Removing a responsible government official for this reason suggests a breach of the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, which stress that government statistical work has to be “respected at all political levels and by all stakeholders in national statistical systems”.

Official statistics agencies must be protected from political pressure and threat, to avoid the possibility of manipulation of their work to promote the interests of particular politicians or parties.  Financial markets, policy-making and social analysis all depend on the integrity and objectivity of the data collected by such agencies, and the potential for “shooting the messenger” is a clear hazard to the production of steady, reliable quantitative information.

The International Statistical Institute has expressed its deep concern about this incident.  The SSA echoes their statement.  In Australia, we are fortunate to have conventions and regulations that protect government officials from the risk of dismissal for publishing data unpalatable to the government.  All nations that have signed up to the Fundamental Principles, regardless of their political settings, should adhere to their commitment.

Ian Gordon
On behalf of the SSA Advocacy Working Group
6 August 2025