MoU - ABS AND NSW GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

In early March, Australian Statistician Brian Pink and Robyn Kruk, CEO of NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which specifies the working arrangements, principles and goals of a renewed working relationship. A key goal to which both parties are strongly committed is increasing the statistical capability within NSW Government.

This MoU updates the 1957 agreement between NSW and the Commonwealth following the Statistics (Arrangements with States) Act 1956. Over the last 50 years the arrangements envisaged in 1957 have evolved. Agencies of the NSW Government have progressively expanded their own collection and analysis of statistics to inform policy development and delivery. The ABS has evolved in its role, progressing a "whole of State" approach to management and development of the State's statistical resources.

The development and implementation of the NSW State Plan has highlighted the integral role statistics play in evidence-based policy formulation and decision making. Recent developments at Council of Australian Governments (COAG) have also highlighted a renewed emphasis on strengthened State statistical measures, within the national context.

Since signing the MoU a number of associated goals have been advanced which will further strengthen the arrangements agreed to in the MoU. An ABS Officer, Allan McLean, has been outposted to NSW DPC to:

· Assist in developing new statistical governance arrangements
· Assist in analysis of statistical priorities recently identified by senior NSW Government officials
· Work with agencies to improve performance indicator information for the NSW State Plan.