1001.0 - Annual Report - ABS Annual Report, 2004-05
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 11/10/2005
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Introduction Dennis Trewin, Australian Statistician The ABS has a fine history and, I believe, has served Australia well. It plays a vital role in an Australian democracy — not just because it delivers information that portrays a mirror on society — but because that information is trusted. This trust has proven important to governments as well and, because of this trust, discussions can focus on what the statistics mean for policy rather than on the integrity of the statistics themselves. Our history has provided a fine shoulder on which to stand as we address the challenges of the future. In this light it is fitting that in the 2005 Federal Budget additional funding was provided to the ABS to ‘upgrade official statistics’. The additional funding will be used to address critical statistical areas that have become increasingly at risk, to implement new international standards, and for statistical work programs to support new government policies such as the longitudinal study of the food industry. The funding also allows the ABS greater flexibility to undertake extra work in the form of potentially new or, extension of, existing projects. The most immediate impact of the additional funding was the ability to make available electronic publications (PDF and HTML based content) and electronic tables (spreadsheet or data cube format which contain publication tables) free of charge on the ABS web site from 1 July 2005. The additional funding will enable the ABS to position itself for the future. Changes in the external environment will offer the ABS both challenges and opportunities over the next 15 to 20 years. Internal considerations — including trying to meet an ever widening range of client needs with constraints on resources — reinforce the need for the ABS to consider the nature and scope of its business over coming years. In the second half of 2004 the ABS commissioned a review of its strategic positioning into the 21st century and the Allen Consulting Group was retained to undertake this work. Key findings focussed around relationship management, statistical leadership, national and ABS priorities, and responsiveness. As part of the centenary celebrations I have presented a number of lectures on the history of the ABS. In March I addressed the National Press Club on the topic ‘100 years of Truth, Damned Truth and Statistics’, describing how a good quality national statistical office is an essential ingredient to an effective democracy. It was the second time that an Australian Statistician has addressed the National Press Club. In June I presented the Sir Roland Wilson Lecture covering the major historical developments that have led the ABS to where it is today, with a special focus on the contributions of Sir Roland Wilson. The Australian Statistician, Mr Dennis Trewin, addressing the National Press Club Some of the key statistical and organisational issues and outcomes for the ABS during the year include:
Our work is greatly assisted by the Australian Statistics Advisory Council, chaired by Professor Sandra Harding. The members provide their services without fees and we are very grateful for their contributions. I would like to welcome the appointment of thirteen new members and reappointment of three existing members. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to non-returning Council members, Dr Steven Kates, Ms Betty Hounslow, Dr Martin Parkinson, Ms Anne Nolan, Mr Chris Lock, Mr Haydn Lowe, Mr Peter Jones and Mr George Tomlins for their contribution to ASAC over their combined 36 years of service. Dr Kates and Ms Hounslow have been particularly long serving members (14 years and 7 years respectively), and I wish to acknowledge their dedication and support to the ABS throughout their tenure. The work of the ABS would not be possible without the continuing cooperation of businesses, households and others who provide the data which form the basis of the statistics produced. The ABS makes a considerable effort in ensuring that we have the trust and confidence of our data providers without which the provision of a quality statistical service would be jeopardised. We have continued our endeavours to reduce the burden placed on data providers through expanding the use of administrative data. I would once again like to convey my genuine thanks to all businesses and households that assist us in our task by providing the data we need to deliver a quality statistical service to policy-makers, researchers, analysts and the community at large.
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