Interactive content and dynamic publishing – a vital part of an nso’s output and communication strategy

Abstract

There are far reaching changes occurring in the information industry, including the world of official statistics. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is planning to put the user at the centre by giving to them a chance to speak directly with our data. Our catch cry has become ‘freedom to share data will make data more valuable – but only if it’s managed differently.’ The ABS mission is “We assist and encourage informed decision-making, research and discussion within governments and the community, by providing a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical service.” Informed decision making presupposes a level of statistical ability which we know needs development within the Australian community. The ABS has an important leadership role in improving the statistical capability and literacy of our current and future customers. Our statistical output and communication strategy is vital to achieve the aspirational goal of a citizenry that uses statistics to make sensible, informed decisions, whatever their job, community or situation. This paper outlines some aspects of the ABS output and communication strategy, how it has changed and how the strategy increasingly supports a diverse range of customers and their requirements. The paper finishes by examining a range of innovative ABS outputs that have a stronger focus on building statistical capability in communities with lower statistical literacy, such as our youth community.