QUALITY DECLARATION
INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT
For information on the institutional environment of the ABS, including the legislative obligations of the ABS, financing and governance arrangements, and mechanisms for scrutiny of ABS operations, please see ABS Institutional Environment.
RELEVANCE
Final estimates from the Agricultural Land and Water Ownership Survey (ALWOS) – 30 June 2013 will be presented in Agricultural Land and Water Ownership, 2013 (cat. no. 7127.0).
The purpose of the ALWOS is to collect information on the level of foreign ownership of agricultural businesses, land and water entitlements used for agricultural activity to inform government policy in this area.
Prior to the ALWOS, there was very little data available on foreign investment in Australian agricultural activity. Consultation with key stakeholders identified the information requirements.
TIMELINESS
Data on Agricultural Land and Water Ownership, 2013 (cat. no. 7127.0) is published within 12 months of the end of the reference period.
This is the second ALWOS conducted by the ABS. The first was first run in 2010 (as at December 2010), with results released in September 2011.
The ABS has been asked to collect further information regarding the foreign ownership of agricultural land and water entitlements. This will include a stand-alone sample survey in 2018, and additional information will be collected from supplementary surveys to the 2016 and 2021 Agricultural Census.
ACCURACY
Data from the ALWOS have been extensively quality assured and are based on a response rate of 88%, which was higher than the target of 85%. The estimates have been checked against other relevant sources, including the 2010 ALWOS, previous Agricultural surveys, and through contact with data providers, to ensure the accuracy of the estimates produced. Extensive checking of respondent data was undertaken to ensure that data was consistent at all levels.
The estimates in this publication are based on information obtained from a sample drawn from the total population of businesses in scope of the collection, and are subject to sampling variability, that is they may differ from the figures that would have been produced if all businesses had been included in the survey. For more information please see paragraphs 30 to 34 of the Explanatory Notes.
COHERENCE
The 2013 ALWOS used standard definitions and classifications to ensure coherence with other ABS collections. As such the 2013 ALWOS estimates are comparable with the previous 2010 ALWOS estimates as the same units and concepts are used. Estimates are also broadly comparable with recent Agricultural Survey estimates although some care must be taken due to the conceptual differences in scope and coverage of these collections.
INTERPRETABILITY
Detailed explanatory notes are provided to assist users in understanding the concepts underlying the data and the quality of the ALWOS data and to use it accurately.
ACCESSIBILITY
Data on Agricultural Land and Water Ownership, 2013 (cat. no. 7127.0) is available on the ABS website. Tables contained in this publication are available in spreadsheet format in the downloads tab.
If the information you require is not available as a standard product or service, the ABS Consultancy Services can assist with customised services to suit your requirements. Inquiries should be made to the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.
Quality Declaration 
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