Integration refers to the process of combining data from two or more sources at a unit level (for example, at an individual or business level). Integrated data assets hold a range of data that allow complex questions to be analysed, with new insights that are not available from a single data source. State and territory governments also undertake a large amount of data linkage work
Linkage as a Service (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
Data linkage, data integration and ‘record matching’ are all terms referring to the same process. Data linkage services are offered by agencies including the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Commonwealth Data Integration Strategy (Department of Finance)
The Department of Finance is developing a strategy that will outline the priorities and strategic direction for data integration activities in the Australian Public Service. It will also set the parameters for Commonwealth data integration with state/territory governments and private sector/research partners.
The integration strategy will support achievement of the Government’s vision under the Data and Digital Government Strategy to deliver simple, secure and connected public services to all people and business, through world class data and digital capabilities. Development of the strategy will be overseen by the Commonwealth Data Integration Reference Group.
Enduring integrated data assets
National Disability Data Asset (Department of Social Services)
The National Disability Data Asset is an exciting new national initiative for all Australians. Australian, state and territory governments are working with the disability community on the National Disability Data Asset. The disability data asset will bring together de-identified information from different Government agencies about Australians with disability and without disability.
Life Course Data Asset (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
In the May 2023 Budget, the Government announced a $200 million package to target entrenched community disadvantage with a focus on intergenerational disadvantage and improving child and family wellbeing. This initiative is being led by Commonwealth Treasury and the Department of Social Services. As part of the package, the ABS received $16.4 million over four years for a ‘Life Course Data Initiative’ to improve understanding of how communities experience disadvantage, including through longitudinal data.
Business Longitudinal Analysis Data Environment (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
The Business Longitudinal Analysis Data Environment is an economic data tool combining tax, trade and intellectual property data with information from ABS surveys to provide a better understanding of the Australian economy and businesses performance over time.
Person-Level Integrated Data Asset (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
PLIDA is a secure data asset combining information on health, education, government payments, income and taxation, employment, and population demographics (including the Census) over time. It provides whole-of-life insights about various population groups in Australia, such as the interactions between their characteristics, use of services like healthcare and education, and outcomes like improved health and employment.
National Integrated Health Service Information (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
The National Integrated Health Services Information(NIHSI) is a major national linked health data asset for health research and analysis. The NIHSI comprises data on admitted patient care services (in public and private hospitals), emergency department services and outpatient services in public hospitals for all states and territories with the exception of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Stronger Places Stronger People (Department of Social Services)
Stronger Places, Stronger People is a community-led, collective impact initiative, stewarded by the Government in partnership with state and territory governments and 10 communities across Australia. It seeks to disrupt disadvantage and create better futures for children and their families through locally tailored and evidence-driven solutions to local problems, in partnership with local people.
