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Economic Statistics Consultative Group

The Economic Statistics Consultative Group (ESCG) was formed in 1999 to provide a forum for :

1. identifying key economic issues;
2. assessing the State Government's statistical needs and priorities;
3. exchanging information on economic statistics issues and initiatives being undertaken by ABS and member agencies;
4. obtaining client input to ABS statistical reviews and strategic directions.

The ESCG began with 12 members but has grown to comprise 19 member organisations. Ian Hafekost has been in the chair since 2003.

Prior to joining the State public service, Ian worked for the former Airlines of Western Australia as a market forecaster. As a recent migrant from London, he travelled to all the towns serviced by the airline and was introduced to the vast geographical diversity of the State and saw first-hand the major resources industries.

Now working in the area of housing policy and Commonwealth State relations on housing, Ian makes regular use of ABS statistical outputs. The data enables him to monitor trends in housing tenure and activity in the residential construction sector in WA. The results of the recent Census of Population and Housing will be of great interest to Ian, particularly to see if home ownership trends are changing.

Ian is partial to an English ale from Fenians. His most recent great read is “On Beauty”, by Zadie Smith which tells of two families set in a university town near Boston. His outdoor pursuit is birdwatching.