TECHNICAL NOTE 2 WHAT IS AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW AND WHY WAS IT UNDERTAKEN?
INTRODUCTION
1 An alternative view provides a measure of economic activity for a segment of the economy that involve a combination of industry classes as defined by ANZSIC. This involves identifying and reclassifying existing statistics. The ABS has developed some alternative industry views, particularly to address data needs in emerging areas and to support some industry-based policy. For example, the alternative view of the 'resources industry' published in 2002, presented a broad view of the mining industry in Western Australia for the years 1995-96 to 1999-2000. In addition, the March 2007 issue of the Western Australian Statistical Indicators (ABS, 2002b and 2007b) provided some alternative view information for the 'resources industry' for 2001-02 to 2005-06.
2 There is a range of alternative views possible for any segment of the economy and how the alternative view is derived is based on users needs and data availability. However, it must be noted that each one is among many that are equally statistically valid. It is also important to note that while alternative views often generate a larger "industry" than that defined by ANZSIC (e.g. gas supply in this publication), this is the result of reclassification, and not an extension of ANZSIC industry boundaries.
3 The methodology developed in Research Paper: Developing An Alternative View of Electricity and Gas Supply Activity in Australia, 2003-04 (cat. no. 4647.0.55.001) is an example of such an alternative view, which has been applied in this publication to produce the estimates in Chapters 1-3.
WHY AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW?
4 The alternative view of electricity supply and gas supply activity presented in this publication was developed in response to user demand for more detailed information on the electricity supply and gas supply segments of the economy. While ABS energy statistics stakeholders have highlighted the importance of ABS Industry Statistics they have also requested more information on the effects of the competition reforms of the 1990s on the structure of electricity and gas supply industries.
5 The alternative activity view provides analytically useful activity statistics which differ significantly to current ABS industry statistics, particularly for gas supply. However, the alternative activity view should be considered to complement, rather than replace, the existing ANZSIC-based electricity and gas industry statistics. These existing industry statistics are essential for producing consistent economy wide industry statistics that are utilised for national accounting purposes and for macro-level industry analysis.
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