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Section 2: Outcomes and Outputs Information
Outcomes and Output Groups
The map below shows the relationship between Government outcomes and the contributing outputs for the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Financial details for Outcome 1 by output appear in Table 2.1 while non-financial information for Outcome 1 appears in Table 2.2.
Changes to Outcomes and Outputs
There are no proposed changes in outcomes or outputs since the previous year.
Outcome 1
Informed decision making, research and discussion within governments and the community based on the provision of a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical service
There is a single government outcome relating to the ABS, defined as `Informed decision making, research and discussion within governments and the community based on the provision of a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical service'.
Measures Affecting Outcome 1
Retention of name identified census forms
The Government is providing the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) with additional funding to develop a Centenary of Federation gift to the nation in the form of name-identified census information. If the household agrees, the name identified census data will be transferred by the ABS to the National Archives of Australia for a closed access period of 99 years and made available to the community in 2100.
Reduction in departmental resourcing
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will deliver savings of $3 million per annum from reductions in departmental expenses. These funds will be used to offset the cost of a number of other high priority measures in the Treasury portfolio.
Outcome 1 - Resourcing
Table 2.1 shows how the 2000-01 appropriations relate to total resourcing for Outcome 1.
Table 2.1: Total Resources for Outcome 1
Outcome 1 - Contribution of Outputs
Official statistics are collected by government to inform debate, decision-making and research both within government and by the wider community. They provide an objective perspective of the changes taking place in national life and allow comparisons between periods of time and geographical areas.
Open access to official statistics provides the citizen with more than a picture of society. It offers a window on the work and performance of government itself, showing the scale of government activity in every area of public policy and allowing the impact of public policies and actions to be assessed.
The ABS achieves its outcome by the provision of two outputs: (i) Economic statistics and (ii) Population and social statistics.
The economic statistics output contains an extensive range of statistical information relating to the structure and performance of the Australian economy. It provides an objective source of information that is used by governments and the community to inform their decisions. For example, economic statistics are used to formulate government macroeconomic policies, to assist in allocating Commonwealth funds to State Governments, to formulate industry development policies, in financial and business planning and in wage determination.
The population and social statistics output contains statistical information relating to the Australian population, including census and demographic statistics, as well as information relating to the social and economic wellbeing of the population. It provides an objective source of information that is used by governments and the community to inform their decisions. For example, census data are used extensively to plan for communities; labour statistics are used in the formulation of macroeconomic policy and in developing government labour market policies and programmes; and social statistics are used to support policy development in areas such as health, social security, taxation, and community and family services.
Reliable social and economic statistics are fundamental to open government and it is the responsibility of government to provide them and to maintain public confidence in them.
Performance Information for Outcome 1
Table 2.2: Performance Information 2000-01
Outcome
Informed decision making, research and discussion within governments and the community based on the provision of a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical service.
Outcome measures
1 Relevance of ABS output.
1.1 Statistical output which meets the needs of key users of economic and social data in terms of:
- coverage (breadth);
- delivery method; and
- demonstrated by a high level of use.
1.2 Effectiveness of planning process:
- extensive client contact to assist in developing the work program, including with the Australian Statistics Advisory Council; and
- a statistical work program which reflects emerging as well as on-going policy issues.
2 Integrity in statistical operations.
2.1 An objective statistical service through:
- release of reliable/accurate statistics based on sound professional statistical principles/methods;
- openness of the statistical process:
- publication of forward work program
- published methodologies
- predetermined release dates
- release of statistics from all collections
- regular forums for consulting client representatives on the methods underlying statistical products; and
- adherence to the secrecy provisions of the Census and Statistics Act.
3 Appropriate use of statistical standards, frameworks and methodologies.
3.1 Lead the development and implementation of national statistical standards, frameworks and methodologies, within the broader Australian statistical system.
3.2 Contribute to the development of key international statistical standards, frameworks and methodologies, and implement them as appropriate.
Table 2.2: Performance Information 2000-01 (continued)
4 Coordination of the collection, compilation and dissemination of statistics produced by other official bodies.
4.1 Statistical Clearing House activity.
4.2 Assisting other official bodies with the integration of administrative and statistical data, including out-posting ABS officers, and the provision of relevant training.
4.3 Identifying, storing, and disseminating statistics from other official bodies.
Output measures
Output 1.1.1 - Economic statistics.
Output 1.1.2 - Population and social statistics.
1 Increase the quantity of output, including improved client access to ABS and other statistical information by improved dissemination methods.
1.1 Increase the range of statistics disseminated.
1.2 Develop new products and services.
1.3 Ensure public accessibility by release of statistics through libraries, media, etc.
1.4 Enhance delivery options using new technology to improve accessibility.
2 Improve the quality of outputs.
2.1 Achieve or exceed timeliness, statistical reliability, response rate and accuracy objectives.
2.2 Conduct quality reviews, and implement recommendations.
3 Achievement of cost effective outputs.
3.1 Conduct efficiency reviews and audits, and implement recommendations.
3.2 Test operating efficiencies of statistical activities by benchmarking internally and externally.
3.3 Market test a number of non-statistical activities to identify possible outsourcing opportunities.
3.4 Continual reductions in the aggregate load placed on all businesses.
Evaluations
Information on planned evaluation activity that relates to this outcome is in Table 2.2 above and the results will be shown in the ABS Annual Report.
Competitive Tendering and Contracting
ABS is developing a business plan for market testing appropriate Corporate Services activities. ABS has already market-tested a range of Corporate Services and other activities, many of which are now managed and serviced by external suppliers following competitive tendering and contracting processes. These include printing and publishing, training, internal audit, payroll services, health and safety case management, staff counselling and welfare services, and a range of building and office services functions.
