The Salvation Army Media Release

Free statistics add up for charity & community sector

Wellington, 25 May 2007 - The Government's decision to make certain statistical information freely available is good news for the charity and community sector, reckons The Salvation Army.

Statistics Minister Clayton Cosgrove announced this week that starting from August, a range of statistics will be made available free of charge. Other data will be rolled out over the following 18 months.

The Salvation Army's Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit Director, Major Campbell Roberts says that although the Minister emphasised the benefits of the initiative to business, it will also be a boon for the charity and community sector.

'Groups like The Salvation Army, which are involved in social policy issues and research, as well as the provision of social services, will have another source of information to draw upon.

'Many of the statistics are currently prohibitively expensive for non-profit groups, so removing the charges will make available a wealth of information otherwise inaccessible.'

Major Roberts says that having access to more social data can only enhance the quality of social policy research done by non-profits. It would also contribute to better planning for the development and delivery of social services and programmes.

'Better access to quality statistical information, will not only help the charity and community sector, but will also be of benefit to the whole community.'

ENDS

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