Flinders University researchers can apply for free access to various confidential Australian Bureau of Statistics datasets, including data from the 2021 Australian Census.

Thanks to an agreement between Universities Australia and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), access to the latest Census data adds to the vast array of ABS datasets available to our researchers. The full list of all 250 datasets available can be found here.

Initial information about the results of last year’s Census were released in June, and a second wave of data followed in October which included topics covering employment and location-based variables. Detailed information about the 2021 Census product release guide can be found here.

ABS has been working on several initiatives aimed at explaining the longitudinal integration of different datasets, including the following:

Australian Census Longitudinal Dataset: This dataset uses the Census of Population and Housing to build a longitudinal overview of social and economic change over time. Three waves of data have so far contributed to the ACLD from the 2006 Census (Wave 1), 2011 Census (Wave 2) and 2016 Census (Wave 3). Access the dataset here.

The Business Longitudinal Analysis Data Environment (BLADE): This dataset combines business tax data and information from ABS surveys over time to provide a better understanding of Australian businesses and the economy. Access the dataset here.

Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP): This is a partnership between six Australian Government agencies to combine longitudinal information on healthcare, education, government payments and personal income tax with population demographics, to create a comprehensive social picture of Australia. Access the project here.

For other opportunities to obtain confidential and open data access, please click here.

Inquiries about these ABS datasets and application procedures can be directed to pawel.skuza@flinders.edu.au