ABS restores sample to Labour Force Survey (Media Release), 2009

MEDIA RELEASE May 13, 2009 27/2009

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will restore the sample size of its monthly labour force survey following the announcement of the Federal Budget by Treasurer, the Hon. Wayne Swan MP.

The ABS will receive an additional $15 million in Government appropriation for the 2009-10 financial year, allowing it to reinstate, continue or enhance several programs including labour force, the retail survey and job vacancies survey.

The Australian Statistician, Mr Brian Pink welcomed the Government’s additional funding for the ABS.

“In the current economic climate, the value of good statistics for decision making cannot be underestimated,” Mr Pink said.

The ABS has also secured additional funding for two new collections. The first collection will measure the out-of pocket expenses of people receiving government benefits, such as pensioners. The second collection will assist all Governments involved in the COAG reforms, in measuring the progress of initiatives in the areas of health, disability, education and housing.

“These additional funds from the Government will benefit the whole community, with the ABS increasing the range of high quality data to assist and encourage informed decision making within governments and the community.”

“This is also vote of confidence in the ABS,” Mr Pink said, “and recognition of the important work carried out by the ABS and its people.”

The ABS will continue to monitor and modify its work program, in consultation with users, to ensure it delivers services that are timely, relevant, responsive and respected for their integrity and quality.

Full details of changes to the ABS work program can be found on the homepage of the ABS website at www.abs.gov.au