The Australian Government has provided SAT$1.2 million to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics for a better and comprehensive collection of data with the hopes that statistics would be used more openly and frequently to help in the development of Samoa.

The Bureau organised its second Statistics Forum following the first forum that was held in March 2022 to inform users, producers and providers of the statistical data on the latest available indicators.

This forum is an essential platform for promoting communication and cooperation in order to maintain the vital role statistics play in Samoan development.

The objective is to raise awareness and solidify relationships between statisticians and users in order to guarantee the need for statistics in policymaking and well-informed development decision-making is properly handled.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday by the Australian High Commission in Apia and the Samoa Government said Australia recognises the critical role the Bureau plays in ensuring decision-makers are informed by accurate and comprehensive data.

The Household Income and Expenditure Survey which gathers data on household income, expenses, and living circumstances, will make sure that the Samoan government and its partners can deliver targeted assistance to the areas who need it most. Australia has allocated SAT$1.2 million in comprehensive financial assistance for the HIES.

Ms. Luck highlighted the benefits of data-driven policy development and decision-making at the government level.

"Australia is happy to provide support for the Household Income and Expenditure Survey, which will provide important insights into Samoa's socio-economic landscape," she said. "The data gathered will inform decision-making and policy development at all levels and contribute to Samoa’s aspirations for an equitable and prosperous nation."

Ms. Luck will be visiting Savaii next week to join the SBS in witnessing the conclusion of the HIES data collection.

“I am visiting Savaii next week to connect with Savaii’s communities,” she said. “While there, I’m excited to be able to join Leota in witnessing the conclusion of the HIES data collection.”

The Chief Executive Officer of SBS Leota Aliielua Salani expressed gratitude to the Australian government for its assistance with the "Tautai" program, which includes a Communications Specialist to improve data distribution.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Australia through the Australian High Commission, for your continuous support and commitment to assisting the Samoa Bureau of Statistics throughout various activities been implemented ," he said. 

“This will additionally function as an ongoing reminder of the strong ties that exist between our two nations."

Australia offers the Household Income and Expenditure Survey a variety of support options, including cash, hardware, software, technical know-how, and capacity building. The Australian and Samoan governments' Tautai - Governance for Economic Growth Partnership facilitated the provision of this assistance.   

The main objectives of the Tautai Partnership are to promote the economic administration of the Government of Samoa, regulate the economy, ensure debt sustainability, and provide services and policies that convert economic growth into improved community well-being.