Good afternoon everyone. I'm sorry that I can't be with you this afternoon.

My name is Elsa Lapiz and I'm with the Methodology Unit in the Victorian Office of the ABS. I just want to give a brief introduction on behalf of the ABS, in particular, the Methodology Division where I work.

The ABS is very supportive of efforts to enhance the profile of mathematical sciences as we endeavour to attract and develop those with potential into the different fields of mathematical sciences. This is why we've agreed to sponsor this event.

The Methodology Division in the ABS offers excellent career paths for those interested in areas such as time series, econometric analysis or survey sampling. We have one of the largest groups of mathematical statisticians in the country. There's about 80 of us mathematical statisticians who work as methodologists and are spread across the national office in Canberra and the state offices. We employ graduates in Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Quantitative Economics and even related fields such as Engineering and Physics.

We mostly do research related to improving the quality of statistics that we release in the public domain, improving the efficiency of our samples to reduce costs in running our surveys while maintaining accuracy of the data we publish, and also analysing data to assist policy makers and other analysts in making sense of our data.

We put emphasis on the professional and personal development of our staff as evidenced by the amount of resources we spend and the opportunities made available to staff in relation to training and development. We take pride in the quality of our staff in the Methodology Division.

The ABS looks after its staff very well, so if you're interested in a career in the Methodology Division of the ABS and would like to work in an area where you're valued and can have the opportunity to make a difference, you're most welcome to contact me, visit our website or grab one of our brochures to learn more about us and what we do. I've left my contact details with Andrew Kwok and I'm also sending him some brochures over the next week.

Thanks a lot for this opportunity to inform you about career opportunities in our division.

I wish you luck with the competition.