1504.0 - Methodological News, Sep 2007  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 21/09/2007   
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National Statistical Service (NSS) Leadership Branch

The National Statistical Service Leadership Branch is made up of two Sections: Statistical Coordination (Statistical Clearing House (SCH) and National Statistical Service (NSS) teams) and the National Data Network (NDN) Business Office.

The Statistical Clearing House is responsible for reviewing all surveys involving 50 or more businesses conducted by or on behalf of Australian Government departments and agencies. The primary purpose of the SCH is to reduce the burden of Australian Government surveys on businesses by ensuring such surveys do not duplicate existing collections and are of sufficient quality to warrant the burden imposed. The Clearing House is celebrating its 10th birthday in October 2007.

The National Statistical Service (NSS) team has a particularly important role in driving overall NSS strategy taken by the ABS and providing leadership on key cross cutting projects. Specifically, the area:

  • assists the development of NSS policy and strategy;
  • markets and promotes awareness of the NSS;
  • leads cross-cutting NSS projects (including pilot projects for the National Data Network);
  • promotes the development of tools and skills both within the ABS and across the NSS; and
  • supports associated initiatives and forums (such as the Community of Users and Producers of Statistics (CUPS) and the Australian Government Statistical Forum).

The NDN Business Office provides secretariat support for the NDN Interim Governing Board and develops policy proposals for Board approval. In addition to their secretariat role, the Business office also undertakes:
  • provision of business analysis for potential NDN clients;
  • managing the NDN website, which is the main communication channel to users, custodians and interested organisations;
  • production of the monthly NDN newsletter;
  • managing the ABS Node including all registrations for the NDN;
  • provision of specifications to the development team for NDN technical development; and
  • production of documentation including business rules, participation agreements, metadata requirements, manuals and help support.

If you would like to know more about NSS Branch activities, please contact Mark Lound, Director, Statistical Coordination on (02) 6252 6325 or John Sant, A/g Director, NDN Business Office on (02) 6252 5717.