The Guardian (9.10.14) carries a report about the volatility of ABS unemployment statistics. ‘Hockey said that while the ABS was still one of the best statistical collection bodies in the world, he had always been concerned about the volatility of unemployment data. He said the body did not have enough resources to update computer systems or upgrade structural processes. “I’ve said on a number of occasions the numbers can be volatile out of the ABS, especially when they’re on a monthly basis,” Hockey said in Washington. “I am unhappy with the volatility of the series.” As Hockey looks for ways to boost funding, he is considering making users pay for ABS data. “I’m not writing out a blank cheque for the Australian Bureau of Statistics,” he said.