Data follows the globally agreed methodology for this UN SDG Indicator and has been identified by the responsible agency as the most appropriate data source.
Number of countries that have national statistical legislation that complies with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
Australia has national statistical legislation that complies with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.
| Principle | Relevant Legislation clause |
|---|---|
| Principle 1. Official statistics provide an indispensable element in the information system of a society, serving the government, the economy and the public with data about the economic, demographic, social and environmental situation. To this end, official statistics that meet the test of practical utility are to be compiled and made available on an impartial basis by official statistical agencies to honour citizens’ entitlement to public information. | Census and Statistics Act 1905 clause 9 Section 6 of the Australian Bureau of Statistics 1975 (ABS Act) states the functions of the Bureau, notably section 6(1)(b) which states to collect, compile, analyse and disseminate statistics and related information. |
| Principle 2. To retain trust in official statistics, the statistical agencies need to decide according to strictly professional considerations, including scientific principles and professional ethics, on the methods and procedures for the collection, processing, storage and presentation of statistical data. Last updated: 13 February 2018 | Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 clause 16 (4) (a) Staff of the Bureau are primarily employed under the Public Service Act 1999 (as per section 16(1) of the ABS Act), and adhere to the APS Code of Conduct and APS Values. Staff also adhere to the secrecy provisions outlined in section 19 of the Census and Statistics Act 1905 (CSA). |
| Principle 3. To facilitate a correct interpretation of the data, the statistical agencies are to present information according to scientific standards on the sources, methods and procedures of the statistics. | Census and Statistics Act 1905 clause 12 (1) Largely agree with section 12(1) of the CSA, however this does not refer to specific standards etc. I think it the best fit under the circumstances though. |
| Principle 4. The statistical agencies are entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics. | There is not an explicit reference in the Bureau's governing legislation which addresses this Principle. Tenuous links could be drawn to sections 6(1)(d) and 6(2) of the ABS Act and the ABS's role to provide statistical leadership. |
| Principle 5. Data for statistical purposes may be drawn from all types of sources, be they statistical surveys or administrative records. Statistical agencies are to choose the source with regard to quality, timeliness, costs and the burden on respondents. | Census and Statistics Act 1905 clause 9 (1) (a) Agree with section 9(1) of the CSA. Parts 2 and 3 of the Census and Statistics Regulation 2016 are also relevant. |
| Principle 6. Individual data collected by statistical agencies for statistical compilation, whether they refer to natural or legal persons, are to be strictly confidential and used exclusively for statistical purposes. | Census and Statistics Act 1905 clause 12 (2) Agree with section 12(2) of the CSA. Section 19 of the CSA, which outlines the Act's secrecy provisions, is also relevant. |
| Principle 7. The laws, regulations and measures under which the statistical systems operate are to be made public. | Census and Statistics Act 1905 Can refer to the CSA, ABS Act, the Statistics Determination 1983 and the Census and Statistics Regulation 2016. |
| Principle 8. Coordination among statistical agencies within countries is essential to achieve consistency and efficiency in the statistical system. | Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 clause 6 Agree with section 6 of the ABS Act. |
| Principle 9. The use by statistical agencies in each country of international concepts, classifications and methods promotes the consistency and efficiency of statistical systems at all official levels. | Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 clause 6 (1) (d) Agree with section 6(1)(d) of the ABS Act. |
| Principle 10. Bilateral and multilateral cooperation in statistics contributes to the improvement of systems of official statistics in all countries. | Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 clause 6 (1) (f) Agree with section 6(1)(f) of the ABS Act. |
