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1104.0 - CURF Microdata News, Feb 2010  
Previous ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/02/2010   
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Image: Computer USING THE ON-SITE DATA LAB

Why use the ABS on-site Data Lab?

The ABSDL is the data analysis solution for high-end data users who want to extract full value from CURF microdata. It offers a richer and more interactive experience of the data than is possible in the ABS Remote Access Data Laboratory (RADL) and is available in ABS Offices in each state and territory.

While the ABSDL can be used to access Specialist (customised) CURFs it can also be used for analysis of Expanded CURFs. There are no automated protections of data within the ABSDL, which means that you can undertake cross tabulations and other forms of analysis beyond what is possible in RADL. Your outputs will be reviewed by ABS staff before their release to you to ensure the confidentiality of respondents is protected.

What do recent ABSDL clients have to say?

Here are some stories from some of our recent ABSDL clients:

"After several months of work with the RADL, we decided to use the ABSDL to explore its advantages and see if it could help us with our data analysis. Our plans before going to the ABSDL were about having better data analysis and survey-based estimations. In particular, we wanted to perform data analysis based on commands which are blocked with RADL, for example cross tabulation, graphing the data and more descriptive statistics.

The people that welcomed us in ABS Sydney office were very friendly and helped us with anything we needed throughout the three hour session. We accomplished our planed analysis, and spent most of our time looking at graphs that we designed. It was very beneficial for us to look (by graphing) at the variables that we use by cross tabulating."


"ABSDL was easy to set up. ABS staff worked very efficiently helping me with appointment set up and output delivery. The facility was good, and staff were very friendly and helpful."

How can I get access and how much does it cost?
The ABSDL is available in ABS Offices in each state and territory, and can be booked for half or full day sessions.

ABSDL is provided on a cost-recovered basis, with a base price of $2,590 (including GST). Of this, $2,030 covers the one-off set up cost, and $560 provides one standard ABSDL session of 3.5 hours. Additional sessions are priced at $560 per 3.5 hours or part thereof.

Clients in universities participating in the ABS/Universities Australia Agreement are entitled to a specified ABSDL service - for which there is no charge to the individual user. This is because Universities Australia has paid for access on behalf of universities.

If you are interested in learning more About the ABS Data Laboratory (ABSDL), please refer to the information on our website or contact us at microdata.access@abs.gov.au


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