What data can you request through Dataplace?

Australian Government agencies collect a wide range of data to deliver various programs and services to the Australian community, businesses and individuals.

Dataplace is the digital platform that simplifies requesting access to Australian Government data from a data custodian (that is not an excluded Australian Government entity) using existing legislation or under the DATA Scheme.

The DATA Scheme is an alternative pathway for data custodians to share data with accredited users for the purposes of delivering government services, informing government policy and programs and for research and development.

Before starting a data sharing request through Dataplace, we encourage data requestors to check if the data is publicly available (e.g. by using the Australian Government Data Catalogue). 

Who decides if data is shared?

The data custodian is an Australian Government agency that controls the requested data and is responsible for assessing the data sharing project. The assessment includes how the data sharing project may benefit the public, the type of data being requested and whether it can be shared safely. These decisions are often guided by legislation and policy requirements that define what and how data can be shared. 

Some data custodians may indicate if a supply charge will apply to cover costs associated with extracting, cleaning, preparing and providing access to the shared data. This is the agency’s decision, but any charging arrangements must be in line with the Australian Government’s Charging Framework. 

How does the data sharing process work?

In Dataplace there are five stages to reach an agreement on a data sharing project:  

• Request data 

• Assess request 

• Collaborate to create an agreement 

• Review agreement 

• Approve agreement. 

The data requestor starts a data sharing request – a project form that guides data requestors to provide information that supports their request while addressing the data sharing principles (Request stage). At this stage, only the individual starting a data sharing request and any other nominated users from the organisation can edit the form.

Once the data requestor submits the data sharing request, the form is locked. The data custodian can view the details of the request and assess whether they expect the data can be shared safely (Assess stage).

If the data custodian makes an in-principle decision to share the requested data, the project form is unlocked and both data requestor and data custodian will need to respond to additional questions based on the selected pathway and project type (Collaborate stage). This ensures the right controls and protections are in place for the data sharing project.  

After responding to the new questions, both the data requestor and data custodian can review the proposed data sharing agreement, focusing on legal implications, security settings and project feasibility (Review stage). At this stage, the project form is locked again. If any edits are needed, the project will return to the Collaborate stage.

If both parties agree to proceed with the data sharing agreement, the Approving officers will formally enter into the agreement (Approve stage).

Do you need a data sharing agreement before data can be shared?

Depending on the pathway selected by the data custodian, a data sharing agreement may be required before the data can be shared.

There are three pathways for data sharing:

• DATA Scheme data sharing agreements
• General data sharing agreements, and  
• Project summaries (where no formal agreement is required).

Under the DATA Scheme, data requestors must be accredited entities and are required to enter into a data sharing agreement before the data is shared. Dataplace can autogenerate an agreement based on the responses in the project form.

If the data custodian decides to use their own legislation to share data, a General data sharing agreement may be used. Dataplace can also autogenerate a General agreement based on responses in the project form.

In some cases, data custodians may decide that a formal agreement is not needed, and a project summary based on the project form responses is sufficient. The data sharing project will need to be progressed to the Approve stage to finalise the request.

First time making a request?

Before you can start making data sharing requests on Dataplace, your organisation needs to onboard to the platform. Click here to see if your organisation is already on Dataplace.

See the onboarding help page and the How to guide: Onboarding for more information.

When your organisation is onboarded, a user must be assigned with the Organisation administrator role to oversee the organisation’s data sharing projects. You can find out more about Dataplace roles and responsibilities.

Once your organisation is set-up on Dataplace, people associated with your organisation (such as employees) will be able to submit a data sharing request.