WHAT'S NEW AT ABS ...

NatStats Conference 08
Changes to the ABS Survey Program
Queensland Statistical Training
ABS Release Information
Queensland Theme Page



Preprogram registration for the conference is NOW OPEN! Register and pay before 20th June to receive a special price on your conference registration - even cheaper than early bird!

The NatStats08 web site is your one stop shop for all your NatStats08 needs. From the web site you will be able to register for the conference, download our sponsorship and exhibition document as well be informed of all the latest program and social events developments.

The conference program has been designed with policy and decision makers in mind. Senior staff from policy departments, academia and the private sector, as well as overseas speakers are being invited to help elevate thinking to a national perspective. The conference will be divided into three main themes: Informing the Nation; Measuring the Progress of Society and Informing the Environment Debate. There will also be a showcase session that will demonstrate Information Platforms and State planning initiatives.

Participating in NatStats08 will provide you with the opportunity to:

• Learn from experts and experience first hand the latest developments and the future directions of key national statistics
• Connect with the statistical community on the issues and challenges in creating a culture of evidence-based decision making
• Share your experiences and raise awareness of the significant issues within your field
• Network with policy makers from across government, industry, academia and the community

If you would like to talk about the conference program please call Mark Lound on 02 6252 6325 or email him at inquiries@nss.gov.au.

To register your interest in the conference please contact Conference Solutions on natstats@con-sol.com

CHANGES TO THE ABS SURVEY PROGRAM

The ABS is facing a tight budget situation in 2008-09, which has led to a range of reductions in the ABS work program. The Australian Statistician, Brian Pink, has outlined a number of strategies to address the situation in the document Changes to the ABS survey program for 2008-09 on the ABS Website. Use the link to see what the implications are for the affected surveys or programs and how to get further information.


Changes to the Labour Force Survey

Detailed information on how the changes will impact on the Labour Force Survey can be accessed from the document above or by going directly to Forthcoming Changes in Labour Force, Australia, Apr 2008 (cat. no. 6202.0).

QUEENSLAND STATISTICAL TRAINING

The ABS has a commitment to encourage the informed use of State, Territory and regional data. To this end, the ABS Queensland office provides a suite of training programmes to help clients make the best use of ABS and non-ABS information. These courses aim to develop a greater understanding of statistical and analytical processes.

Courses can be tailored to suit particular needs and additional programmes can be developed as required.

In May, June and July 2008, ABS Queensland is pleased to offer the following courses in Brisbane:

Course name	Course length	Location	Course date/s
Making Quality Informed Decisions	One day	Brisbane	Monday, 26 May 2008
Turning Data Into Information	Two days	Brisbane Brisbane	Tuesday and Wednesday, 3-4 June 2008 Tuesday and Wednesday, 15-16 July 2008
Basic Survey Design	Two days	Brisbane	Wednesday and Thursday, 18-19 June 2008

For more details about course content and how to register see 2007 QLD Information & Registration Form_.pdf on the ABS Website at Statistical Training Queensland contacts.
ABS RELEASE INFORMATION

Beginning in January 2008, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website provides the expected release details for all statistical products due for publication in the coming six months.

The web page 'Releases Scheduled for the Next Six Months' is revised on the ABS website at the beginning of each month. This six-month forecasting is intended to keep clients informed about products and when they will become available.

All ABS Core Statistical and Other Statistical publications that usually have a catalogue number will be detailed as well as prominent non-statistical publications such as the ABS Annual Report and Australian Statistics Advisory Council Annual Report.

Access 'Releases Scheduled for the Next Six Months' from the ABS Home page via 'Future Releases' or use this link.

Information on all ABS product releases can also be accessed from ABS Release Advice. This web page also provides links to Previous Releases, Releases Scheduled for the Next Six Months and Main Economic Indicator Releases.
QUEENSLAND THEME PAGE

This page provides access to Queensland statistical information including statistical releases and links to non-ABS sources. A wide range of economic and social statistics is covered.