Australian Bureau of Statistics
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What does the ABS do? FAQs
 

Q. What does the ABS do?
Q. What sort of information does the ABS collect?
Q. How can the ABS help me?


Q. What does the ABS do?

A. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is Australia's official national statistical agency. We assist and encourage informed decision making, research and discussion within governments and the community, by providing a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical service.

The specific future directions for the ABS include:

  • Providing more relevant, understandable and interesting statistical information targeted to a range of audiences.
  • Presenting statistical information effectively utilising opportunities presented by web technology.
  • Allowing clients to interact with data to design and populate their own tables, charts and maps - initially with data from the Census of Population and Housing.
  • Improving the breadth and quality of small area data available for quantitative measurement, evaluation and comparison of regions.
  • Allowing the Australian public to complete and submit their Census forms electronically via the Internet.
  • Understanding clients' use of the web site to focus future improvements.
More information regarding the ABS can be found at 'About Us'.


Q. What sort of information does the ABS collect?

A. We collect, compile, analyse and disseminate information on a wide range of social and economic matters such as families and communities, consumer price index and gross domestic product. Our statistics are used by governments, business, industry organisations, academics and others seeking to understand Australian society and the economy.

Much of our economic data are collected directly from businesses through sample surveys. In this way, we minimise the number of businesses we need to include in our collections to publish reliable statistics. If your business is selected in one of our surveys, it is very important that you respond as fully as possible because you are representing other businesses of similar size and activity.


Q. How can the ABS help me?

A. The ABS has a variety of information accessible from the ABS website, about our statistics and how we can help you. We have information on how to use the website and how we can customise data to suit your needs.

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