The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is the Australian government agency that collects and publishes statistical information about Australia.

This agency also undertakes the Australian Census of Population and Housing. These are conducted every 5 years, in line with international statistical practice. The last Australian population census was in 2001, and the next one is scheduled for 2006.

As well as providing financial and economic statistics, the ABS has a strong interest in broader social indicators. The current Australian Statistician, Dennis Trewin , was listed as one of Australia's Smart 100 in a 2003 poll run by the Australian magazine The Bulletin for his new suite of statistical indicators - in a publication titled "Measuring Australia's Progress" - which sets out and tracks key aspects of social progress in Australia.

External references

• Australian Bureau of Statistics website
• Measuring Australia's Progress
• October 22, 2003 Bulletin article on Dennis Trewin