Foreword
The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) exists to provide advice to the Government through the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and to the Australian Statistician. As you will read, the Council comprises a number of committed members from all over Australia, representing many interests, sources of expertise and locations. The diversity of viewpoints that the membership implies, make for robust discussions of key issues and, I trust, a useful sounding board for the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Advice provided by Council aims to focus attention on issues critical to the nation where relevant and timely statistics are needed by policymakers. Such issues include: the social and economic impacts of Australia’s ageing population; factors influencing participation in the workforce; the health and wellbeing of the population as well as factors influencing productivity such as innovation, research and development, and the knowledge based economy.
Over the past 12 months, ASAC has provided advice on these and many other issues, as indicated in this report. Preparation for the 2006 census, information development plans to provide a focus on the demand for and supply of statistical information, child and youth statistics, and education and training have all been addressed during the year.
Many thanks to Dennis Trewin, Australian Statistician and his team for their positive approach to ASAC and to the advice provided. Many thanks also to the ASAC secretariat, without whose excellent support ASAC simply could not function in an effective manner.
I trust you find the report informative. I would welcome follow up contact about the issues raised.
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