Flinders University is now an accredited data user under the Australian Government’s DATA Scheme, overseen by the Office of the National Data Commissioner (ONDC).
This accreditation confirms that Flinders meets the standards for securely handling public sector data and opens up new opportunities for researchers to access Commonwealth datasets.
What is the DATA Scheme?
The DATA Scheme was established to make Australian Government data more accessible for:
- Government service delivery
- Policy and program development
- Research and innovation
It’s built on strong safeguards, including privacy protections and principles that ensure data is shared responsibly.
What researchers need to know
As a Flinders researcher, you can now apply to access a wide range of public sector datasets—both those listed in the Australian Government Data Catalogue (AGDC) and others not yet published. This includes data collected, created or held by Commonwealth bodies.
However, access isn’t automatic. Applications typically take 3–6 months, depending on the complexity and sensitivity of the data. You may also need to meet specific access conditions under the data sharing agreement you enter into. While data custodians aren’t required to approve every request, they must provide a written justification if access is denied.
What kind of data is available?
The Scheme covers a broad spectrum of data—from weather and traffic patterns to business, personal, and agricultural data.
It’s a broad and rich resource, but not everything is available. For national security and privacy reasons, some government entities are excluded from the Scheme. This means data from agencies like the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation, and certain areas within Home Affairs and AUSTRAC can’t be shared.
So while the Scheme opens up exciting possibilities, it’s important to understand that access is selective and governed by clear rules.
Where to get help
To help researchers navigate the DATA Scheme, Flinders University Library will host three workshops per year. These sessions will guide you through the application process and provide practical advice on working with Commonwealth data.
👉 Register via iEnrol.
You can also find more information on the Statistical Tools and Services webpage or visit the DATA Scheme website. Additional inquiries can be directed to stats.consultant@flinders.edu.au