About NSS Networks
As part of the NSS strategy, forums and networks have been established to allow agencies to share information and experiences about their collection and dissemination of statistics and data management practices.
Australian Government Statistical Forum (AGSF)
The AGSF provides a vehicle for senior staff in Australian Government agencies to discuss key national and international statistical developments. The role of the forum is to:
(a) Advance the NSS and consider strategic matters of importance to the effective operation of the NSS.
(b) Consider matters of relevance to producers of statistical services within the Australian Government.
(c) Share information on developments in each agency's activities, with regard to national statistical information, and identify opportunities for collaborative work.
Agenda and Minutes from AGSF meetings can be viewed here.
National Statistical Seminar Series
A new National Statistical Seminar Series has been launched, combining the Statistical Clearing House (SCH) Seminar Series and the StatsNetwork Meetings. This series will focus on a range of issues of interest to the statistical community. Seminars will be composed of a 30-40 minute presentation followed by morning tea and a panel discussion of the seminar topic.
The first seminar will be on planning and conducting satisfaction surveys and will be held on Wednesday 1 August, from 9.00-10.30am in the Knibbs Auditorium at ABS House, Canberra. An abstract for the seminar can be found in the attached PDF.
If you would like to find out more about the Seminar Series please contact us.
Presentations and Papers from previous StatsNetwork meetings can be viewed here. Archived Statistical Clearing House seminars can be viewed here.
Canberra Evaluation Forum
Putting the Evidence into Evidence Based Policy
Peter Harper - Deputy Australian Statistician delivered a presentation to the Canberra Evaluation Forum on 15 October 2009 on the importance of statistics to evidence based policy and in particular, the use of appropriate statistics and how they can sometimes be misused. His presentation also covered the role of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) as Australia's national statistical agency in providing policy makers with high quality statistics and outlined how the ABS works in partnership with others to enhance the information base for Australian decision makers.
State and Territory Forums
Forums also exist at the State and Territory level to progress the NSS initiatives. They provide a broad perspective of the strategic statistical information needs and priorities across the State/Territory Government sector, through the exchange of information and the identification of common interests. The forums also promote co-operative arrangements for the use and interpretation of statistics as well as strengthening the relationships amongst government agencies.
Through one such forum, the South Australian Government became the first foundation member of the NSS with its adoption of the NSS Key Principles. A copy of the agreement, which was signed on 4 February 2004, can be seen in the attached file.
