National Statistical Service

. The NatStats 2010 Conference on "Measuring what counts" was held in Sydney from 15-17 September 2010 with almost 500 delegates attending. A key outcome was the development of NatStats 2010 Conference Recommendations, which will set priorities for the National Statistical System for next year. Speaker presentations and photos are available on the NatStats 2010 Website.

. In February 2010, the Portfolio Secretaries endorsed a set of High Level Principles for Data Integration Involving Commonwealth Data for Statistical and Research Purposes which were released on the NSS website. The principles are part of an Australian Government approach to facilitate linkage of social, economic and environmental data for statistical and research purposes. A set of institutional and governance arrangements to support the principles were endorsed by the Secretaries Board in October 2010. A Cross Portfolio Data Integration Oversight Board is currently being established with Secretariat expected to be fully operational in January 2011.

. On 20 October 2010, the ABS, along with other statistical offices, celebrated the first World Statistics Day. The celebration acknowledged the service provided by the global statistical system at a national and international level. The day coincided with the release of the findings from the Community Trust in ABS Statistics Survey.

. The launch of Transmet, the site for metadata on Australian transportation data collections and the Data Quality Online (DQO). The DQO is an easy-to-use online support system for data collectors, providers and users. The tool was officially launched in August 2010 as an ABS led NSS initiative.

. The National Statistical Service (NSS) Community Indicators Seminars highlighting the developments occurring in Australia and overseas.

. In the 2009-10 financial year, the Statistical Clearing House (SCH) reviewed 22 ABS and 50 business surveys from other Australian Government agencies. The SCH has also recently conducted a review of processes to improve efficiencies and client experience. The SCH Review recommendations were presented to the Statistical Clearing House Advisory Forum (SCHAF) in December 2010.

The NSS Newsletter informs the community of producers and users of statistics about events and other initiatives run by the NSS. To improve your experience of NSS News, we will be conducting a feedback survey in early 2011. Your response will ensure ongoing improvements.

Merry Christmas from the NSS News team.