National data centre opens in Geelong

THE Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) says its new centre in Geelong will help transform the way it collects and distributes data.
The National Data Acquisition Centre (NDAC), located in the former Ford Discovery Centre, million commitment to the ABS from the federal government.
Australian Statistician David Kalisch said NDAC consolidated the collection of data for all business and household surveys carried out by the ABS, including the Monthly Population Survey, the Retail Business Survey and the National Health Survey.
“The ABS is one of Australia’s most trusted organisations and our data is the bedrock on which centre opens in Geelong Australians build an understanding of their economy and society.
“Our transformation program will enable us to continue to provide that vital information.”
However, the 2016 Census of Population and Housing, to be held on August 9, will not be run from NDAC.
The ABS has also formed a partnership with Deakin University (which owns the site), and vicechancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said the launch of NDAC was an important milestone in Geelong’s evolution as a university town.
“Deakin University is the digital university of Australia, and we are at the bleeding edge.
“Locating the new ABS facility here in Geelong provides the perfect catalyst for the important strategic alliance between Deakin University and the ABS.” She said the two institutions would work together on projects such as cloud-based learning, behavioural economics and big data, but that Deakin would probably not be sharing more of its data with the ABS as a result.
“We would see them as a source of advice to us, rather than the other way around.”
Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said the NDAC would create up to 260 local jobs with a total workforce of 300 at any one time.
“Currently there are more than 40 people working across the ABS.
“It’s wonderful that the ABS’s recruitment drive is in full swing, with plans to employ a further 80 full time and 20 part-time employees by the end of April.”