1304.5 - Stats Talk WA, Jun 2010  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 30/06/2010   
   Page tools: Print Print Page Print all pages in this productPrint All

Statistical News
Developments In ABS Statistics

So Just How Fit Is Your Data?

How do we get “good statistical information”? One answer is DATAfitness.

DATAfitness = good data management practice.

Good data management is one of the foundation stones for building a solid statistical resource for Australia. In simple terms, DATAfitness symbolises the ability to compare apples with apples or being able to compare data which has similar characteristics.

The National Statistical Service (NSS), a community of government agencies led by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), encourages the use of statistical frameworks, principles and resources, which can help data providers and users to realise the benefits of good data management.

As part of its DATAfitness program, the NSS has developed Data Quality Online (DQO), an easy-to-use online support system for data collectors, providers and users.

The NSS will officially launch DQO in June 2010, in conjunction with the ABS. DQO is based on the nationally recognised ABS Data Quality Framework, which provides a consistent standard for describing the quality of data.

A preliminary version of DQO was released in March 2010, specifically for the purposes of the latest round of COAG National Agreement reporting. For further information on DQO or to take a look at the prototype, visit the NSS website.
http://www.nss.gov.au/datafitness


Picture of world with a large tap


Find Data About Your Region

The latest National Regional Profile (NRP) contains data snapshots for over 2,000 regions across Australia, with five years of data where it is available.

Examples of data you can find in the NRP include:

In 2007-08 the Local Government Area of Peppermint Grove had the largest average value of private sector houses in Western Australia, at $1,799,700. This was an increase of 42.2% from 2003-04 ($1,265,800). Nearby Cottesloe had the second largest average value of private sector houses in 2007-08 with $952,000. These Local Government Areas also had the highest average taxable incomes in 2006-07 of $136,597 (Peppermint Grove) and $133,916 (Cottesloe).

Outside of the capital city, the Local Government Area of Port Hedland had the highest average value of private sector houses in Western Australia in 2007-08 ($499,000), an increase of 177% from 2003-04. Port Hedland had an average taxable income of $67,031 in 2006-07 (the WA average was $54,570).

The Local Government Areas of Stirling, Wanneroo and Joondalup (all within the Perth region) had the largest number of births in Western Australia in 2007-08, with 2,805, 2,478 and 1,915 births respectively.

The oldest vehicles in Australia in 2008 were found in the Local Government Area of Cue, with 74% of registered vehicles over 10 years old. Around 70% of registered vehicles in Sandstone LGA were also over 10 years old.

This latest NRP has a very new look to the ‘entry’ page, which uses an interactive map and list to find your region of interest.

To discover more information about your region of interest, the NRP can be accessed by the following link: National Regional Profile.



2009-10 Year Book Released

The 2009-10 Year Book Australia reflects on the International Years of Biodiversity and the Rapprochement of Cultures as well as paying tribute to the Australian Year of the Girl Guide.

The latest edition, out now, begins with a special feature on biodiversity, highlighting Australia’s unique flora and fauna, including the koala. (cat. no. 1301.0)