Australian Bureau of Statistics
Celebrating the International Year of Statistics 2013

• Summary
• Downloads
• Explanatory Notes
• Related Information
• Past & Future Releases

Microdata Access Strategies Section (MASS): New name, same great service

The CURF Management Unit (CMU) has changed its name. We are now the Microdata Access Strategies Section (MASS). We might have a new name, but you'll be dealing with the same people and getting the same great service.


So why have we changed our name?

It's to do with our forward work program. ABS intends to develop more tools to access microdata, release more microdata products, and provide client-targeted education programs in support of this growing business. And we are developing strategies to do so. Access strategies; that's us.

I'm new to CURF Microdata. What do MASS do?

MASS supports and encourages the increased use of data in the Australian community by developing the policy, administrative and technical infrastructure enabling easy access to ABS microdata.

We are responsible for:

• supporting and encouraging greater use of ABS microdata through improved systems and services;
• liaising with other ABS areas for the introduction of methods, processes and procedures for maintaining the confidentiality of microdata;
• developing and promoting ABS information service policies and procedures that are aligned with government objectives.

MASS manages access to Confidential Unit Record Files (CURFs) by external clients and supports CURF users, specifically, it provides a national centralised point for the development, management and support of all CURF related client access activities including:

• development and maintenance of clients' access to ABS microdata via CD-ROM, the Remote Access Data Laboratory (RADL) and on-site ABS Data Laboratory (ABSDL).
• being the national centralised contact for external CURF microdata clients; these include Commonwealth, State and Local Government agencies, the university sector and many other organisations -
• being the national centralised contact for internal clients; this includes advice to other ABS areas regarding activities and policies for producing and delivering CURFs and coordination of legal and administrative requirements for CURF access.


Where does MASS fit into the ABS ?

The Information Management and Census Division (IMCD) aims to ensure that the ABS continues to develop, adapt and adopt the world’s best practice in the efficient and effective collection, processing, management and dissemination of statistical information.

IMCD consists of three branches, one of which is Information Services Branch (ISB). ISB supports the ABS Mission by communicating official statistics through a wide range of high quality information products and services that are closely aligned to identified client needs. MASS is part of ISB.

How do you contact MASS?

All CURF Applications and Undertakings should be sent to the postal address in the 'Contact Us' section at the end of this Newsletter. CURF related enquiries can be emailed to <microdata.access@abs.gov.au> and RADL related enquiries can be emailed to <radl@abs.gov.au> MASS will be updating the website and CURF Applications and Undertakings with new contact information shortly.