Access Australian Government Datasets for research
How to access Australian Bureau of Statistics, Austalian Tax Office and Department of Social Services datasets as a UQ Researcher.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) datasets
ABS microdata is available for research and analysis with varying levels of detail. Read the descriptions below and choose the dataset most suitable for your research.
Compare the data services before making a selection.
Table Builder
Access to a wide range of Census and other ABS data, in a format suitable for download for statistical analysis. Table Builder is the most used tool and is suitable for the majority of UQ research purposes.
Microdata Download
Provides unit record information on individuals, households or businesses. Can be downloaded for statistical analysis and covers over 100 data topics. Microdata is highly confidential and users must comply with ABS requirements.
DataLab
High-end, experienced researchers may access detailed micro-data via the ABS' secure data environment, to undertake complex realtime analysis. UQ researchers must have UQ authorisation and have undertaken approved ABS training.
Apply for access for Table Builder and Microdata Download online
- Go the the ABS website and register an account using your UQ email for either Table Builder or Microdata Download.
- When you have registered you can log in to your ABS account to access or download the data.
For students: both you and your supervisor must apply for access to the same data.
Apply for access to DataLab
Access to ABS DataLab microdata is limited to UQ academic staff and HDR students. Honours students may be eligible for access under certain conditions. Review UQ ABS Honours students conditions (PDF, 177.2 KB) for details.
The lead researcher must request approval from their Head of School or Institute (or equivalent) before researchers submit and register with ABS. Once approved, all researchers who were nominated on the form can proceed to the ABS website to register and apply for their DataLab individual access.
UQ DataLab access application - Lead Researcher
- Complete the Application for UQ-ABS DataLab Access form (PDF, 704.7 KB) including details of:
- the Lead researcher
- all researchers working on the project
- the research project.
- Email the application form to your Head of School or Director of Institute for approval.
- Email the completed and signed form to data@library.uq.edu.au. The Library (as ABS Contact Officer) will retain the form for record keeping and auditing purposes.
Let your project researchers know when they're approved so they can register and apply for their DataLab access. You must also register an account with ABS to access DataLab.
DataLab application - all researchers
Confirm with your lead researcher that you have UQ approval to access Datalab microdata
Apply for DataLab access via the ABS.
Relinquish access
You must relinquish access to the data when it is no longer required, your circumstances change or if you are leaving the University.
Enquiries
Read ABS frequently asked questions.
Email data@library.uq.edu.au for more information, or to relinquish access.
Australian Tax Office (ATO) datasets
ATO Longitudinal Information Files (ALife) is a dataset of individual tax and superannuation records. It is available for research purposes and can be accessed in a safe and secure way.
Access ALife data
UQ researchers and HDR students can access the ALife dataset under the terms of the Head Agreement UQ has with the ATO. Check the ATO's requirements before applying for access.
Request access
1. Contact the ATO's local Access Manager by emailing data@library.uq.edu.au. You will receive:
- An application form
- Copy of the Research Head Agreement
2. Lead researcher completes the application form, including evidence of ethics approvals. All forms are returned to the Access Manager. Your application will be forwarded to UQ Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) for approval.
3. Your UQ approved application is then submitted to the ATO for final approval and granting of access. Once approved, all researchers named in the application will have access to ALife.
Enquiries
Email data@library.uq.edu.au
Department of Social Services (DSS) datasets
Approved researchers from government, academic institutions and non-profit organisations can access selective Department of Social Services (DSS) reports, articles and information on:
- Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA)
- Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC)
- Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC)
- Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA)
Visit the DSS Longitudinal Studies Dataverse to apply for dataset access and register an account.