1300.1.55.001 - Statistics News NSW, Sep 2008  
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EVENTS AT ABS NSW


UPCOMING CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

NatStats08 Conference, 19 - 21 November 2008

Diagram: Graphic of NatStats08 Conference logo

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will host the inaugural NatStats Conference 08 from 19 - 21 November 2008 at the Crown Promenade Hotel, Melbourne.

The conference theme is "Working Together for an Informed Australian Society". The program will look at three main topic areas:
  • Informing the Nation - with sessions on Health, Education and Indigenous Australia;
  • Measuring Progress in Society - with sessions on Measuring Disadvantage, Inequality and Social Inclusion, Measuring Progress in Australia and Community and Local Indicators; and
  • Environmental Information for Informed Decisions - with sessions on Water, Natural Resource Management and Climate Change.

An array of high profile policy and decision makers will be speaking at the conference including:
  • Adam Spencer, Dinner Speaker
  • Professor Glyn Davis, Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne and co-convenor of the 2020 Summit
  • Dr Ken Henry, Secretary Treasury
  • Greg Bourne, CEO, World Wildlife Fund Australia
  • Enrico Giovannini, Chief Statistician, OECD
  • Rev. Tim Costello, CEO World Vision Australia

See the NatStats08 website for the latest program information including the complete list of speakers.

If you would like more information about the conference program please call Mark Lound on (02) 6252 6325 or email inquiries@nss.gov.au.

Early Bird Registration for NatStats08 is now open - for more information please visit the NatStats08 website.

Diagram: Picture of featured speakers of the NatStats08 Conference


Free information and training in Census data and tools
Diagram: Banner image - Effective Business Planning and Decision Making using ABS data

Most marketers, researchers and policy makers fail to get their tax money’s worth out of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data. This is because many people are simply unaware of what you can get from the ABS and, in particular, the amazing amount that you can get for free.

If you would like to find out what Census data is available and how you might use this to understand more about your clients customers or stakeholders, we are pleased to offer free online information sessions in the use of our powerful Census data and tools.

If you wish to discuss this offer please contact: Amanda Biltoft, ABS National Account Manager on (02) 9268 4642 or email client.services@abs.gov.au.

Conditions apply

Information sessions are available only in NSW for groups of 5 people. The sessions are a minimum duration of 30 minutes and a maximum of 2 hours for all existing published online data.


Housing Statistics Workshops

In July, the ABS hosted two housing statistics workshops in Sydney to obtain stakeholder input into a Housing Information Development Plan (IDP). Both workshops were well attended by housing data users from a range of NSW government agencies, community organisations and industry groups.

The workshop participants provided valuable input into key housing policy and research issues, unmet information requirements and future data needs. Particular issues raised included the need for better data on the housing stock, Indigenous housing, housing transitions for people with complex needs, and the impact of transport and other infrastructure costs on assessments of housing costs and affordability.

The Housing IDP is an agreement between data users and providers on actions to improve housing statistics to meet key policy and research needs. The ABS is currently conducting workshops across Australia to gain stakeholder input into the Housing IDP. Following the workshops the ABS will work with data providers towards establishing and implementing an agreed set of actions to improve the range of information available.

For further information on the Housing IDP, contact Elise Kennedy on (02) 6252 5508 or email nsw.statistics@abs.gov.au.


Australian Social Trends 2008 Seminar

The Australian Social Trends Seminar is designed to give you an overview of Australian society and how it is changing over time. The seminar will draw on key trends and issues highlighted in articles and indicators in the 2008 edition of Australian Social Trends (cat. no. 4102.0).

The seminar will highlight trends in many areas of social concern, such as Population, Family and community, Health, Education and training, Work, Economic resources and Housing.

Our presenter, Linda Fardell, is Director of the Social and Progress Reporting Section. Linda has worked in the ABS for 15 years in a range of areas including Publishing, Information Consultancy, the Goods and Services National Statistics Centre and the Labour Market Statistics Section.

For further information contact Linda Fardell on (02) 6252 7187 or email nsw.statistics@abs.gov.au.


Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) Seminar

Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA, cat.no. 2033.0.55.001) are produced by the ABS to measure differences in socio-economic conditions across regions in Australia. Recently the ABS released SEIFA based on information collected in the 2006 Census of Population and Housing. The presentation will cover how SEIFA is constructed and its properties; changes made in 2006; and examples of SEIFA for New South Wales.

We would also like to hear from users of SEIFA, particularly if there are any barriers to using the product or if there are any future considerations you might have for SEIFA 2011 and beyond.

Our presenter, Jonathon Khoo, is a Director of the Analysis Branch in the Methodology and Data Management Division at the ABS. The Analysis Branch provides technical and analytical advice to other areas of the bureau. His team was involved in the construction and validation of SEIFA 2006. Jonathon's main other technical interest is in methods for small area estimation from sample surveys.

For further information contact Jonathon Khoo on (02) 6252 7187 or email nsw.statistics@abs.gov.au.


International Association of Time Use Research (IATUR) Conference

This year the International Association of Time Use Research (IATUR) will be holding their annual conference in Australia for the first time. The IATUR organises an annual multinational and multidisciplinary conference, which focuses on issues related to time use research and time use data collection. The aim is to attract Australians interested in time use research in addition to the many European, Asian and other international researchers that regularly attend. The conference will be held at the Wesley Conference Centre, in Sydney, on the 1st to 3rd December 2008. The theme of the conference for this year is -
Advances in Time Use Research: Methods, Analysis and Application.


For further information about How Australians Use Their Time, 2006 (cat. no. 4153.0) or the International Association of Time Use Research Conference please contact Elisabeth Davis on (02) 6252 7880 or email client.services@abs.gov.au.

For conference booking information, please contact the Conference Coordinator by email iatur@hotelnetwork.com.au.


Free Training - Accessing ABS Information

This 1.5 hour seminar will increase participants' ability to access and search ABS information, including the wealth of free data available on the ABS website. The course, suitable for a range of users from Goverment, Business and Library Sectors, will introduce participants to the range of ABS services, software and help available.

Wednesday 22nd October 2008, 10.30am

Wednesday 26th November 2008, 10.30am

To register your interest, please contact Imogene McKinnon on (02) 9268 4651 or email nsw.statistics@abs.gov.au.