1003.0 - ABS News for Libraries (Issue No. 60), May 2007  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 01/06/2007   
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Image: Short Cuts

SHORTCUTS

ABS Microdata - It's all in the detail

Do you need more detailed ABS statistics than is available from the ABS website?
Do you want do to quantitative research analysis, microsimulation or modelling using detailed statistical data?

The Confidentialised Unit Record File, or CURF, is the most detailed data product available from the ABS.
A CURF is a file of responses to an ABS survey that has had specific identifying information about a person or organisation removed, so it is 'confidentialised'.


Image: CURF - RADLWho uses CURFs?
Research using ABS microdata underpins government and other policy and program developments, and contributes to debate on a wide range of topics. Check out some examples of published research that uses CURF data. CURFS are used by researchers and analysts in:
  • universities
  • government agencies
  • private sector

What is available?
Almost 100 CURFs are available, representing many ABS statistical collections. Some of the most heavily used CURFs are those for the Business Longitudinal Survey, National Health Survey, Census of Population and Housing and the Household Expenditure Survey.

How do I access CURFs?
CURF data is released under strict conditions. There are three ways to access CURFs:
  • CD-ROM (for basic CURFs only)
  • Remote Access Data Laboratory (RADL)
  • ABS Data Laboratory (ABSDL) on site in ABS

To find out more, visit the ABS website CURF microdata pages or email microdata.access@abs.gov.au