To the Editor, The Australian
The suggestion in David Uren's article, Show us your stats, economists tell ABS, (p2, The Australian 30 May 2012), that statistics which are not identified on the list of Essential Statistical Assets for Australia may be dropped is wrong. The aim of this initiative is to identify a small core set of statistics to target for potential future investment because of their broad application and critical use for decision-making.
Clearly, the wider range of official statistics produced and used across Australia are still important. They will continue to be so, and will continue to be produced, managed and invested in. There are no plans to cut any ABS or other statistics as a result of this initiative.
The list released this week is a preliminary one, aimed to generate discussion and debate. The ABS is actively seeking broad input about which statistics should be included in the core set of Essential Statistical Assets for Australia. Information about how to contribute your views can be found on www.nss.gov.au
Peter Harper
Deputy Australian Statistician
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Canberra ACT