1504.0 - Methodological News, Sep 2009  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 18/09/2009   
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Analytical Services Branch: Highlights of the 2009-10 Forward Work Program

The ABS Analytical Community was established in mid-2007, through the creation and collaboration of the three analysis branches in the Bureau: Analytical Services Branch, the Economic Analysis and Reporting Branch, and the Social Analysis and Reporting Branch. The aim of the Community is to undertake methodological and applied policy-relevant analysis in order to enhance the value-add of ABS data and products.

The analysis work program for 2009-10 has recently been finalised, following extensive consultation within and outside of the ABS. The Analytical Services Branch, which is based in the Methodology and Data Management Division, undertakes predominantly methodological analysis work and has staff with a strong skill set in statistics, mathematics and econometrics.

Highlights of the 2009-10 Analytical Services Branch forward work program include the following:

    • A focus on maximising the use of data
      • data pooling methods and applications to improve stability of survey estimates
      • small area estimation methods development and applications
      • data linking of Census and deaths data to improve mortality estimates
      • cohort analysis (combining several waves of National Health Survey data)
    • Developing a better understanding of administrative data
      • undertaking an assessment of how the ABS uses taxation data and opportunities to enhance tax data usage
    • Exploring social issues
      • ways of estimating homelessness using Centrelink data and ABS Census data.
      • participating in a study to analyse how community level factors influence early childhood development outcomes.
      • preparing for SEIFA 2011.

The 2009-10 analysis forward work program was compiled through a process of internal and external user consultation, including seeking advice from an external analysis reference group comprised of senior representatives from a range of Government agencies, as well as the academic sector.

The ABS remains committed to undertaking relevant and high quality analysis to better inform Government and community decision-making.

For more information, please contact Jonathon Khoo on (02) 6252 5506 or jonathon.khoo@abs.gov.au, or Ruel Abello on (02) 6252 6307 or ruel.abello@abs.gov.au.