It might be worth pointing out that the ABS responded to the original
criticism:

 

http://www.itnews.com.au/News/339819,abs-hobbles-census-data-downloaders.asp
x

 

Their response (attached at the bottom of the URL above) says:

 

ABS responds

 

A spokesperson for the ABS said the $250 charge for the DVDs was to "recover
administration costs" but pointed out that this was the first time its
census data had been made free and available to everyone via its website.

 

According to the spokesperson, the ABS has worked hard to reduce the costs
since 2006, when similar datapacks cost $805.

 

As for the convoluted download site layout with registration and obfuscated
file paths, the spokesperson said there was room for improvement.

 

"The ABS is constantly looking at ways it can simplify the website and
enhance the user experience," iTnews was told via email.

 

"We will shortly be conducting a review of all census products and services
and will engage users of census data to better understand their needs," the
spokesperson added.

 

 

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