Access Australian Government datasets for research
How to access datasets from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australian Tax Office (ATO), Department of Social Services (DSS) and Dataplace as a UQ Researcher.
Australian Bureau of Statistics datasets
Australian Bureau of Statistics Microdata is available for research and analysis with varying levels of detail. Choose the dataset most suitable for your research.
Compare the data services before making a selection.
Table Builder
Get 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 most 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.
Data Lab
Experienced researchers may access detailed microdata via the ABS's secure data environment, to undertake complex real time analysis.
UQ researchers must have UQ authorisation and have undertaken approved ABS training.
Apply for access
- Visit the ABS Registration Centre and register an account using your UQ email
- Log into your accounts to access or download data
Students and their supervisor must apply for access to the same data.
Access to ABS Data Lab microdata is limited to UQ academic staff and Higher Degree by Research students. Honours students may be eligible for access under certain conditions. Review the ABS honours student conditions (PDF, 177.21 KB) for details.
Step 1: Lead Researcher completes UQ access application
- Complete the ABS DataLab Access form (PDF, 704.68 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 Data Lab access. You must also register an account with ABS to access Data Lab.
Step 2: all researchers apply for access
Apply for access via the ABS once the lead research has confirmed you have UQ approval to access Data Lab microdata.
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.
ABS data enquiries
Read ABS frequently asked questions.
Email data@library.uq.edu.au for more information, or to relinquish access.
Australian Tax Office datasets
Australian Tax Office 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.
UQ researchers and Higher Degree by Research students can access the ALife dataset under an agreement UQ has with the ATO. Read the ATO's Gaining access page before you apply.
- Email data@library.uq.edu.au to request an application form from the ATO's Local Access Manager. You will receive:
- an application form
- copy of the Research Head Agreement.
- The Lead Researcher must:
- complete the application form, including evidence of ethics approval
- Email the forms to the Access Manager at data@library.uq.edu.au.
Your application will be sent to the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) for approval.
Once the ATO has approved the application and granted access, all researchers listed in the application will have access to ALife.
ALife enquiries
Email data@library.uq.edu.au for further information about UQ access to ALife.
Department of Social Services 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 access and register an account.
Dataplace
Dataplace is the digital platform to find, and request access to, Australian public sector data. UQ is an accredited user.
Use Dataplace to:
- find data using the Australian Government Data Catalogue
- request Australian Government data
- develop a data sharing agreement
- track and manage your data requests.
UQ researchers can email data@library.uq.edu.au for help making a Dataplace data request.