The Government will increase base funding for the ABS over the next four years to ensure the continued integrity of Australian statistics. The Government will also increase funding for the ABS to conduct the 2011 Census.
From 2009-10 to 2012-13, the ABS will receive additional base funding of $15 million per year totalling $60 million over the four years.
"The Government places a high priority on the quality of Australian statistics and this additional funding will ensure that the ABS continues to produce high‑quality statistics," Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen said.
In addition to the increase in base funding, the ABS will also receive additional funding of $79.5 million over 2010-11 and 2011-12 to conduct the 2011 Census. The additional funding will largely cover increased Census field staff remuneration costs. The Census is the largest (peace-time) logistical exercise in Australia, and involves over 8.5 million households.
"This additional funding should ensure the successful completion of the 2011 Census which provides vital information to policy makers and all Australians," Mr Bowen said.