What is accreditation?
Accreditation serves as a gateway into the DATA Scheme, and ensures users are capable of handling public sector data and minimising risk of unauthorised access or use.
Accreditation under the DATA Scheme provides access to data held by Commonwealth Data Custodians with strong safeguards and regulatory oversight.
To become an Accredited User, entities must be assessed against legislative criteria. The Minister or National Data Commissioner may grant accreditation, and can do so with conditions.
Apply for accreditation as a data user
Organisations considering applying for accreditation are encouraged to contact the ONDC so that we can support you throughout the process.
Commonwealth, state and territory government bodies and Australian universities may apply for accreditation. Some entities are excluded from participating in the Scheme - see below.
Accredited Users may request Australian Government data for:
- government service delivery
- to inform government policies and programs, and
- for research and development.
Learn about the data sharing purposes
To lodge an application for user accreditation under the DATA Scheme, use the online form available on Dataplace.
See the below resources to support your application for accreditation as a data user.
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.
