What are the sources of data for the ABS?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics primarily relies on a combination of various data sources to compile its statistics. These sources include surveys, administrative data, and censuses. Surveys form a significant portion of the data collection process. The ABS conducts numerous household and business surveys to gather information on various topics, including population, health, education, and economic indicators. These surveys are designed to collect specific information from a representative sample of the Australian population, ensuring that the results are statistically significant. Administrative data is another vital source utilized by the ABS. This type of data is collected and maintained by government agencies, such as tax records from the Australian Taxation Office or health records from the Department of Health. The ABS leverages this existing data to complement survey findings and enrich their statistical outputs. Censuses are periodic surveys that aim to capture demographic and social information about the entire population. The most notable census conducted by the ABS is the national census, which occurs every five years. Overall, these various sources enable the ABS to provide accurate and comprehensive statistics that inform policy decisions and enhance the understanding of Australian society and its economy. For further details on specific data sources and methodologies, it might be helpful to refer to the ABS's official website.