Vanuatu Statistics Office Act 1983

The Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO) performs its roles and functions according to the Statistics Act of 1983. The Act has fifteen sections, however those shown here are summarised into seven sections.

Section 1 - Interpretation covers definitions of terms commonly referred to in the act. This includes "Statistics", "Department", "Statistician", "Authorised Officer", "Minister", "Person" and "Return".

Section 2 - Vanuatu National Statistics Office and Government Statistician - this section officially establishes the VNSO and as and independent Government institution. It defines the roles and functions of the Government Statistician and any relationship with the Minister responsible  relating to regular VNSO activities.

Section 3 - Statistics Committee and Statisticians covers the roles and functions of the Statistics Committee and the officers employed by the Office.

Section 4 - Collection of Statistics and access to Public Records defines the scope in which statistics can be collected by the Vanuatu Statistics Office. It gives  power to any person authorised by the VNSO to access public or private offices to access records or information required by the VNSO.

Section 5 - Census empowers the VNSO to conduct censuses whenever appropriate.

Section 6 - Offences and Penalties explains the types of offences as may be resulted from VNSO activities and states the possible penalties likely to occur if this situation arises.

Section 6 - Schedules provides a list of possible areas where statistics can be collected and a secrecy forms to be signed by any person employed by the VNSO.

Summary of the provisions of Vanuatu National Statistics Act 1983:

• provides for the collection of 
• provides for 
• provides for the establishment
• gives power to the
• Defines the scope
• Ensures secrecy