CONCLUSION

The next phase

The ABS will use the indicator list, the principles articulated in this Information Paper and feedback we receive, to undertake the work to release the Measure of Australia’s Progress 2013 product in November 2013. This process will involve sourcing data, developing analysis and writing explanatory text about the assessments of national progress.

This Information Paper will be the only exposure for the proposed indicators (see figure 3), prior to their publication in November 2013. This release outlines the principles used to establish which indicators have been included in this proposed list, and explains the different gaps in the list as a result of either conceptual challenges or lack of available quality data. The Information Paper invites feedback from members of the public on the proposed indicators and outlines the next steps for MAP, leading to the publication of new data in November 2013.

Figure 3: The MAP refresh timeline.

Feedback, comments and suggestions

This Information Paper provides the opportunity to view and engage how the ABS has interpreted ‘Aspirations for our Nation’ and sought to develop the refreshed MAP framework and bring it to life with statistical measures. As the framework draws on the aspirations for national progress as articulated by the Australian public, it is fitting that the ABS articulates how the proposed indicators align with the aspirations expressed in framework.

The ABS hopes this Information Paper will contribute to the thinking and activity surrounding the important but challenging area of measuring the progress of society. It is an area that is being pursued by statisticians as pressure for change increases. With this in mind, the ABS will continue to reflect on the proposed indicators and may make changes in the future.

MAP is an evolving product and we welcome comments and suggestions on the indicators proposed in this Information Paper by the 12th of August.

Please send any comments to the following address:

Director of Social and Progress Reporting
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Locked Bag 10
Belconnen ACT 2616
Or measuringprogress@abs.gov.au