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Section 2: Outcomes and planned performance

2.1 Outcomes and performance information

Each outcome is described below by output groups, specifying the performance indicators and targets used to assess and monitor the performance of the ABS in achieving government outcomes.

2.1.1 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

Outcome 1 strategy

The ABS achieves this outcome by the provision of two outputs — economic statistics and population and social statistics.

Key strategies for 2008‑09 to 2010‑11 are set out in the ABS Forward Work Program. The major initiatives that will contribute to this outcome over this period include:

• maintaining an adequate resource base to support the ABS' core program;
• positioning the ABS to influence the identification, capture and analysis of appropriate information to assist the Government to meet its policy agenda;
• achieving new investment for information management infrastructure and emerging statistical needs that will support the business of the ABS in the 21^st century;
• leveraging off the existing data sources held by others to improve the National Statistical Service. This includes the identification of governance mechanisms, roles of key contributors, how best to coordinate effort, and means of improving efficiency;
• improving the statistical value and use of administrative data by continuing to work with other agencies at both the Australian and State/Territory level to develop the statistical value of their administrative data holdings, improve data comparability and enhance data access;
• continued standardisation of business data collection requirements and methods across the Australian Government, through Standard Business Reporting, with the aim of simplifying businesses' interactions with government and reducing duplication of data collection; and
• building a sustainable interviewer workforce capability to improve population outcome measurement.

Outcome 1 resource statement

Table 2.1 provides additional detail of Budget appropriations and the total resourcing for Outcome 1.

Table 2.1: Total resources for outcome 1

Note: Departmental splits by output, are indicative estimates and may change in the course of the budget year as government priorities change.

Contributions to outcome 1

Output group 1.1 — Australian Bureau of Statistics
Components of output group 1.1 are: Output 1.1.1 — Economic statistics; and Output 1.1.2 — Population and social statistics.
Key performance indicators	2008‑09 target
Integrity in statistical operations.	An objective statistical service, as demonstrated by: release of reliable and accurate statistics; transparent statistical process; and trust and cooperation of providers.
Relevance of ABS output.	Statistical output which meets the needs of key users of economic and social data in terms of: support to decision making; and demonstrated by a high level of use.
Appropriate use of statistical standards, frameworks and methodologies.	Lead the development of national statistical standards, frameworks and methodologies, and their implementation within the broader Australian statistical system. Contribute to the development of key international standards, frameworks and methodologies, and implement them as appropriate.
Improving coordination of the collection, compilation and dissemination of statistics produced by other official bodies.	Statistical Clearing House activity. Assisting other official bodies with integration of administrative and statistical data, including outposting ABS officers, and providing training on statistical standards, frameworks and methodologies.
Improve the quality of outputs.	Achieve or exceed timeliness, statistical reliability, response rates and accuracy objectives. Conduct ongoing research and reviews of quality and implement their recommendations: outlines of ABS statistical reviews; innovative practices; and improvements to existing collections as a result of research and development.
Increase the quantity of outputs.	Increase the range of statistics disseminated. Innovative outputs.
Achievement of cost effective outputs.	Conduct efficiency reviews and audits, and implement their recommendations. Test operating efficiencies of statistical activities by benchmarking internally and externally. Market test a number of non-statistical activities to identify possible outsourcing opportunities. Minimise respondent load.

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