2 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) STATISTICS

2.1 ICT REFERENCE GROUP
2.2 HOUSEHOLD USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (HUIT)
2.3 STUDY OF INTERNET ACCESS BY HOUSEHOLDS AND INDIVIDUALS USING THE CENSUS 2006 DATA
2.4 ICT INDUSTRIES SURVEY (ICTIS)

2.1 ICT REFERENCE GROUP

The ABS established an ICT reference group in early 2004 involving government, industry, academic and community representatives. The aim of the reference group is to improve the usefulness of ICT statistics collected by the ABS from a variety of sources. The reference group provides a high level forum for understanding, improving and developing ICT statistics, providing members with the opportunity to discuss and consider strategies to address ICT statistical issues.

The most recent meeting of the reference group was held on 1 May 2007. The issues discussed included:

• Strategic issues in relation to ICT statistics.
• Recent developments and future directions in ABS ICT and related statistics.

The next meeting of the reference group is expected in October 2007.2.2 HOUSEHOLD USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (HUIT)

The latest publication Household Use of Information Technology, Australia 2005-06 (ABS cat. no. 8146.0) was released on 15 December 2006.

The next issue of the publication for the 2006-07 reference period, is expected to be released in December 2007.

For further information about HUIT statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or Siddhartha De, Innovation and Technology NSC on 02 6252 6519.
2.3 STUDY OF INTERNET ACCESS BY HOUSEHOLDS AND INDIVIDUALS USING THE CENSUS 2006 DATA

The ABS expects to produce a report on Internet access by households and individuals in Australia based on regional and socio-demographic characteristics using the 2006 Census of Population and Housing data in November 2007.

2.4 ICT INDUSTRIES SURVEY (ICTIS)

The ICT Industries Survey collects data on the production and distribution of ICT goods and services by businesses in Australia. The next ICTIS will be conducted in respect of the 2006-07 financial year, with results available in September 2008 – in the publication Information and Communication Technology, Australia, 2006-07 (cat. no. 8126.0).

A number of improvements will be made to the survey for 2006-07, including: the introduction of ANZSIC 2006; extension of the survey to include non-employers; and the collection of a state and territory split of income from the sale of goods and services.

If you wish to know more about ICTIS, please contact John Jones on (08) 9360 5296.