About the ABS Methodologies Division

The ABS Methodology Division (MD) provides support for and performs applied research into the mathematical and statistical methods that underpin ABS outputs. It is comprised of two branches - Methodology Transformation Branch and Statistical Methodology Branch.

Methodology Transformation Branch (MTB) develops and deploys new analytical techniques, procedures and products for traditional and emerging data sources, and it provides a specialist analytical service to producers and users of social, economic, environmental and demographic statistics within the ABS and in other government agencies.

MTB contributes to the long-term sustainability of the ABS by:

• Enhancing the reach, diversity, relevance and quality of ABS statistical products
• Providing analytical consultancy services that support better policy formation, decision making and research
• Investigating new analytical approaches for ‘non-traditional’ data sources in future statistical production.

The Statistical Methodology Branch (SMB) is responsible for the methods which are used to produce ongoing and new ABS statistical outputs, ensuring that they are based on sound and defensible statistical principles, and are cost effective and efficient.

The branch has specific responsibilities for supporting the statistical collection and production processes, providing methods and support for other areas of the ABS in

• design of collections,
• data collection and processing, and
• seasonal adjustment and trend analysis.
  It provides advice and support on methods for the most efficient and effective ways of meeting information needs, and undertakes applied research to find and adapt the best statistical methods to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of ABS statistics.