1001.0 - Annual Report - ABS Annual Report, 2003-04  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 07/10/2004   
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Contents >> Section 4 - ABS Outputs >> Chapter 6 - Economic Statistics Output - Description

The Economic Statistics program responds to the statistical needs of governments and the wider community about economic activity, taking into account the public and private costs associated with collecting, processing and disseminating statistical information.

The ABS framework for economic statistics is based on the United Nations System of National Accounts 1993 (SNA). The SNA provides a comprehensive framework for compiling economic data in a coherent and consistent manner for the purposes of economic analysis.

At the broad level, the activities undertaken within the Economic Statistics program include:

  • collection, processing, analysis and dissemination of economic, environment and energy statistics
  • coordination of the statistical activities of other agencies (through the Statistical Clearing House, participation in national and state statistical committees, and through ABS outposted officers and statistical consultancy services)
  • provision of professional statistical support
  • development, maintenance and promotion of statistical standards, classifications and frameworks for the collection of economic statistics.

The work schedule of the Economic Statistics program is determined after extensive consultation with governments, businesses and community groups, and with the advice of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. In determining the work program, account is taken of the needs of users, the benefit of statistics to decision makers and researchers, the load on providers, the availability of skilled resources to undertake the work, and the costs associated with the activities.

Individual components within the Economic Statistics program have close links with a wide range of government agencies providing data; users of statistical information; and with clients of the statistical coordination and consultancy services. The statistical activities of other agencies complement the activities of the Economic Statistics program, resulting in a comprehensive national statistical service.

The effectiveness and efficiency of the Economic Statistics program is enhanced by significant and wide ranging input from the ABS corporate and statistical support areas. These inputs include methodological, technological, dissemination, human resource and financial support.

Appendix 1 lists the components of the Economic Statistics program.




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