MESSAGE FROM THE NSW REGIONAL DIRECTOR – Ian Ewing Welcome to the September edition of Statistics News NSW.

This edition highlights the second stage release of the 2006 Census which will occur progressively from October to December 2007, and a series of recently released ABS publications, which are all rich sources of socioeconomic data on NSW, as well other states and territories:

• Statistical Trends, NSW, 2007 (cat. no. 1338.1.55.001)

• General Social Survey, New South Wales, 2006 (cat. no. 4159.1.55.001) and General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia, 2006 (cat. no. 4159.0)

• Population by Age and Sex, Australia, 2006 (cat. no. 3235.0)

• Regional Population Growth, Australia, 1996–2006 (cat. no. 3218.0)

• Australian Social Trends, 2007 (cat. no. 4102.0)

• Voluntary Work, Australia, 2006 (cat. no. 4441.0)

• Household Income and Income Distribution, Australia, 2005-06 (cat. no. 6523.0)

• Government Benefits, Taxes and Household Income, Australia, 2003-04 (cat no. 6537.0).

• First Release of the Indigenous Community Profiles

Variables in the second release of the 2006 Census include: labour force status, occupation, education and qualification attainment, and method of travel to work. The NSW Office is offering free online information sessions on 2006 Census data and tools for business, government, academic, and community agencies, contact Amanda Biltoft on (02) 9268 4642.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is reviewing the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC), and a proposal for a new Australian Statistical Geography is detailed in: Review of the Australian Standard Geographic Classification, 2007 (cat. no. 1216.0.55.001). Comments are invited on the paper and can be submitted by Friday 5 October 2007.

Lastly, I would also like to draw your attention to the following useful new resources now available:

• Guide to Migrant Statistical Sources, 2007 (ABS cat. no. 3414.0)

• Community of Users and Producers of Statistics Website

NSW Statistics News provides an overview of significant statistical releases in NSW. We offer a range of services to better inform your decision making. Contact us here at ABS NSW.