HOW THE LIST WAS DEVELOPED
Using the four criteria, and drawing on its extensive knowledge of the Australian statistical system and the needs of users of official statistics, the ABS established a preliminary list of ESA for Australia. This preliminary list was released for external consultation in May 2012 on the NSS website. This initiated a six month consultation period, during which the ABS engaged in an extensive range of bilateral and multilateral discussions with key producers and users of official statistics. In addition, a number of submissions were received from a range of organisations. The ABS took on board the feedback from the consultation process to develop the 2013 list of ESA for Australia, which was endorsed by ASAC in February 2013. Further information on the consultation process is provided in the section, Overview of the consultation process.