What is the Essential Statistical Assets (ESA) for Australia initiative?
The ESA for Australia initiative is led by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as a key National Statistical Service (NSS) strategy. The aim of the initiative is to allow for effective prioritisation of investment, focus and effort within the NSS, by identifying those essential statistical assets which are critical to decision-making in a complex and sometimes fragmented information environment across Australia.
Developing a list of agreed essential statistical assets will enable the Australian Government, in partnership with state and territory governments, to pursue the following objectives:
1. More efficient use of government resources by identifying areas of duplication and underutilisation;
2. Ensuring that the critically important information (statistics/data) are of sufficient quality; and
3. Identification of critical information gaps, so that these can be addressed.
Ultimately, the pursuit of these objectives through the ESA for Australia initiative aims to enhance the quality and value of Australia's statistical system to ensure providers and users of statistics have the confidence to trust the statistics produced within it.
Phase one of the initiative, the 2013 list of ESA for Australia, represents the first holistic assessment of the most essential statistics to meet current user requirements undertaken in Australia. It has been developed through consultation with the community as well as users and producers of official statistics in Australia.
Where can I find a copy of the 2013 list of ESA for Australia?
The ABS has prepared an information paper about the ESA for Australia initiative which, along with the 2013 list of ESA for Australia, is available on the ABS website.
A list of frequently asked questions on the ESA for Australia initiative is also available.
Who should I contact for further information or to comment on the overall initiative?
As the 2013 list of ESA for Australia is an evolving project, we welcome your comments and feedback on this version of the list, as well as the next phases of the ESA for Australia initiative. If you would like further information on the initiative or would like to submit comments about the initiative, please contact the Director of the National Statistical Service Leadership Section at the following address:
Director, National Statistical Service Leadership Section
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Locked Bag 10
Belconnen ACT 2616
or email inquiries@nss.gov.au
NSS QuickFind
