Statistical Priority Setting at the Australian Bureau of Statistics

1
Statistical Priority Setting at theAustralian
Bureau of Statistics

• Geoff Neideck
• Director
• Corporate Planning

2
Dimensions of Priority

• Strategic Importance
• Relevance
• Resources
• Providers

3
Criteria for Prioritising Strategic Statistical
Activities
Strategic Importance
Relevance
Resources
Providers
Essential Criteria

• Is it consistent with mission?
• Does it align with ABS core role?

• Is it a contemporary public policy issue?
• Is the solution fit for purpose?
• Can the output be delivered in time?

• Are funds available either internally or through
  external funding?
• Do we have the capacity skills to undertake the
  activity?

• If the activity increases provider load, does it
  meet SCH/ household survey rules?

Criteria for judging against other activities

• Is there a risk to ABS reputation?
• Are there external opportunities we want to take
  advantage of? ("don't miss the bus")
• Have any external commitments been made?

• How important is the issue? to whom?
• What is the level of commitment from key clients?
• Is the requirement expedient or long term?
• Does it build long term statistical capability?

• Is it a good cost/benefit proposition?
• Is there budget uncertainty?
• Does it involve untested technology?
• Where in the ABS will the work be done?

• Is it a good load/benefit proposition?
• Are there issues that could impact on respondent
  co-operation?

4
Criteria for Non-statistical Bids

• In order to support the efficient operation of
  the ABS and to maintain the ABS asset-base, it is
  important that sufficient funds be allocated for
  non-statistical purposes.
• In deciding on non-statistical proposals
  consideration should be given to
• overall available funds
• potential downstream savings
• the level of capital and operating expenditure
  (including depreciation) involved
• the ABS long-term capital plan

5
Criteria for Non-statistical Bids - Infrastructure

• What benefits will the project deliver?
• What key statistical programs are dependent on
  the development?
• What are the risks of not undertaking the
  development?
• How urgent is the work?
• Are developer resources available?
• Will the project deliver savings?
• Have the end to end implications of project been
  fully assessed and costed?

6
Criteria for Non-statistical Bids - Corporate

• What benefits will the funding deliver? How will
  the funding support delivery of the ABS work
  program?
• Is the funding imposed externally? Is there any
  discretion?
• What are the risks if the funding is not
  provided?
• Will any downstream savings be generated?