DATA Scheme participants
The DATA Scheme authorises the sharing of Australian Government data with DATA Scheme participants.
Types of participants
There are three types of participants in the Scheme. Some entities may be all three types of Scheme participants.
Data Custodians
Commonwealth Government bodies who control public sector data. They are automatically participants and do not need to apply for this role.
Accredited Users
Commonwealth, state and territory government bodies, and Australian universities. They can obtain and use Australian Government data and must apply for this role.
Accredited Data Service Providers
Commonwealth, state and territory government bodies, and Australian universities. They provide complex data integration, de-identification and secure data access services and must apply for this role.
How does the DATA Scheme operate?
Under the DATA Scheme, Accredited Users can request Australian Government data from a Data Custodian. An Accredited Data Service Provider may be used to provide data services to support the data sharing project.
For example, the New South Wales Department of Health (the Accredited User) can request data from the Commonwealth Department of Social Services (the Data Custodian) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (the Accredited Data Service Provider) may provide secure access data services to support the sharing.
If the project involves complex data integration an Accredited Data Service Provider must be used.
Authorisation and override
The Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022 (the Act) overcomes barriers to data sharing through an authorisation to override Commonwealth, State or Territory laws that would otherwise prohibit the sharing, collection and use of certain data, provided appropriate safeguards are in place.
The Act does not override the Privacy Act 1988. The sharing, collection and use of data under the DATA Scheme must be consistent with the Privacy Act.
Dataplace
Dataplace is the digital platform to find public sector data and to create and manage data sharing requests and agreements.
Dataplace was built with the best practices and tools of the DATA Scheme in mind. You can be assured that the appropriate safeguards are in place even where, for example, an alternative legal pathway is being used for data sharing.
The DATA Scheme's safeguards
Strong safeguards are embedded into the DATA Scheme and the processes that support it, ensuring best practice data sharing and building public trust in the use of Australian Government data.
Can't use the DATA Scheme?
The DATA Scheme was introduced in Australia to help make the most of Australian Government data and to drive best practice in data sharing.
Only Commonwealth, state and territory government bodies, and Australian universities may apply for accreditation and some Australian Government entities are excluded from participating in the DATA Scheme. Foreign entities are unable to access data under the DATA Scheme. For more information, see our guidance below.
When sharing is barred under the DATA Scheme
Third party participation in the DATA Scheme
The best practices and tools of the Scheme can still be used even where, for example, an alternative legal pathway is being used for sharing, or if your entity is not eligible to participate directly in the DATA Scheme. Get in touch to see how we can support your sharing.
