1001.0 - Annual Report - ABS Annual Report, 2001-02  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 16/10/2002   
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Contents >> Section 1 - Summary of Operations >> Chapter 1 - Executive Summary - ABS House

Early 2002 saw a major milestone in the history of the ABS with Central Office staff moving into purpose built accommodation. ABS House provides a modern, professional and well-equipped office environment in keeping with our standing as a leading national statistical agency. The design is compact and concentrates access through two main entries. In addition to ensuring appropriate security of the building and workplace, these arrangements have provided greater opportunity for informal staff interaction.

The interior has been designed to make the most efficient use of space, with a layout designed to take advantage of emerging technologies, and to accommodate future changes. It does this by providing a high degree of commonality between general workpoints in open plan areas close to windows and enclosed rooms located around the core of the building. The workspace has been designed to offer varying environments for ensuring effective working arrangements for staff.

During January and February 2002, 1,600 staff moved in to ABS House over six consecutive weekends. There was minimal disruption to the work of the ABS. In most instances staff were operating at their desks by mid morning on the Monday following their move, with downtime being the preceding Friday afternoon.


The Treasurer, the Hon. Peter Costello, MP, with the Australian Statistician,
Dennis Trewin, officially opens ABS House.


Australian Statistician Dennis Trewin, with two former Australian Statisticians,
Ian Castles (left) and Bill McLennan (right), at the opening of ABS House.

The opening of ABS House on 21 February 2002 by the Treasurer, the Hon. Peter Costello, MP, was a particular highlight for the ABS. The Treasurer emphasised the importance of the work done by the ABS for Australia. In opening the building the Treasurer observed that the move to ABS House was achieved within budget and ahead of schedule and would do much to strengthen the Bureau’s ability to undertake its work.

ABS House has already won two significant awards - the first was the 2002 ACT Master Builders Association Project of the Year Award (builders - Bovis Lend Lease Pty Ltd), and the second was the 2002 Royal Australian Institute of Architects, ACT Chapter, Canberra Medallion (architects - Woods Bagot Pty Ltd). ABS House is now eligible for the national judging of both awards.



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