1344.8.55.002 - ABStract, Statistics News, Australian Capital Territory, August 2010  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 09/08/2010   
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THE DIRECTOR'S CUT


WELCOME TO THE AUGUST EDITION OF ABSTRACT

The August edition marks the first edition of ABStract since I commenced in the role of ACT Regional Director. As we prepare this edition, I am in the process of meeting as many of you as possible and I look forward to working together with the ACT Government and community as we face coming challenges.

The major event on the horizon is of course, the 2011 Census of Population and Housing in August next year. The five yearly Census is of paramount importance to the ACT as it produces a range of data that assists the Government in its planning to deliver services where and when they are needed, as well as the population estimates that are critical in determining the ACT's share of Commonwealth funding. It is important that we get it right. To achieve this, staff from the ACT office will be talking to a wide range of Government officials and community leaders to seek support in the running of the Census in the ACT.

Over the next three months I hope to have the opportunity to meet many of you to explore how the ABS can help you, not only with your data needs, but also with the management and use of your own data to help you undertake your business, whether it be policy development or the task of reporting for COAG.

In November, the National Statistical Service (NSS) is holding the 2010 NatStats Conference. This conference gives staff from different jurisdictions the chance to meet, learn about Economic development, wellbeing and progress in 21st century Australia and network with officers from other States and Territories who are responsible for the development and management of data. There is more information on how to attend in the NatStats section of this newsletter.

Finally, a short introduction of myself. I started work many years ago in the methodology area of the ABS and since then have worked in a variety of public service agencies, most significantly, the ACT Department of Education and Training and the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Both these jobs have given me a useful insight into both the data needs of the ACT Government and the data that they produce. The role of the ACT Regional Director is an exciting opportunity for me and I look forward to further building on the fine work of my predecessor Beidar Cho, who has left the ABS to work in another Commonwealth agency.

Stephen Collett Regional Director ACT office