Jason Annabel (Economic Statistics Research Section)¹
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is undertaking a program of research and analysis to enhance measures of non-market economic output in the Australian National Accounts². The central measurement problem is a lack of meaningful prices for non-market output. This paper outlines the approaches considered and the preferred approach of using costs of production data as a proxy for prices. This allows quality change over time to be captured but only implicitly. National Statistical Organisations (NSOs) accept that using costs as a proxy for prices is an acceptable solution to a difficult measurement problem.
Feedback on this paper is welcomed. To provide this feedback, or for further enquiries, please email economic.research@abs.gov.au.
Footnotes
- I would like to thank Helen Baird, Christopher Hinchcliffe, Jacqui Jones, AJ Lanyon, Joe Murphy, Luisa Ryan, Michael Smedes and Kristen Stone for their comments which have improved this paper.
- https://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf//home/ABS+Chief+Economist+-+Enhancing+measures+of+non-market+output+in+economic+statistics:+Progress+paper