Page 147 - Invited Paper Session (IPS) - Volume 2

IPS193 Michael Beahan

A case study of data integration in Australia
Michael Beahan
Australian Bureau of Statistics

Abstract
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is collaborating with five other
Australian Commonwealth agencies to produce high-quality and secure
integrated data. In this paper, the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project
(MADIP) will be highlighted. MADIP contains information on healthcare,
education, government payments, personal income tax, and the Census. These
data are being combined to create a comprehensive picture of Australia. This
project demonstrates the policy potential when existing public data are
combined. The specific case of targeted services (such as healthcare) to
communities in need is discussed.

Keywords
Data Integration; partnerships; policy insights

Data Integration – The Broader Context
Historically, the primary data sources at the Australian Bureau of Statistics
(ABS) revolved around the conduct of surveys and censuses. Generally, the role
of administrative data was secondary –as a comparison to survey and census
data and a means to test its correctness.
Alternative data sources (to surveys and censuses conducted by a national
statistical office) come in many shapes and sizes; and from both government
and private sectors. In the past (and to a lesser extent today) the utility of data
sourced from other government agencies for the purposes of official statistics,
policy formulation and evaluation has been limited. Long standing data
sharing arrangements across the Australia public service are complex and
typically hinder the efficient and effective use of data.
Barriers to greater sharing of data within government include:
 a dense web of legislative requirements which lack consistency;
 a culture of risk aversion, leading to overly cautious legislative
interpretation and approval process complexity; and
 the lack of a whole-of-government approach.
In Australia in more recent times there has been a concerted effort to
maximise the entirety of data holdings across government. The Australian
Government recognises that the data it holds is a strategic national resource
with potential to provide transforming policy outcomes for all Australians.

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