Access to ABS information
Procedures are put in place to ensure all aggregate outputs disseminated by the ABS are not likely to enable the identification of a particular person.
The Census and Statistics Act 1905 allows the ABS to disclose confidentialised unit record data (that is data that is not likely to enable the identification of a particular person) only for statistical purposes, at the discretion of the Australian Statistician. When this occurs, the records are disclosed in the form of Confidentialised Unit Record Files (CURFs). These files have had all identifying information removed and, in addition, the data items that may be likely to enable the identification of individuals are only released in broad categories (for example location may only be released at the State/Territory level). Furthermore, more advanced confidentialisation occurs through checking the CURFs for records with uncommon combinations of responses. These records may be altered slightly to ensure individual responses cannot be identified.
All users who request access to these confidentialised datasets must state what their intended statistical purpose is for using the data, and sign an undertaking to keep the data secure and not to attempt to identify an individual. Should a user breach the conditions of the undertaking and deliberately attempt to identify an individual, they are subject to prosecution under the Census and Statistics Act 1905.
Access to confidentialised unit record data from the 5% SLCD and datasets created by bringing together, without name and address, the Census dataset or 5% SLCD with other datasets, would be subject to all the above procedures. Data will be available through standard ABS secure data access arrangements.
Access to temporary datasets created by bringing together, with name and address, the Census dataset with other datasets will be restricted to a small number of ABS officers on a needs to know basis. These officers are bound by strict secrecy provisions under the Census and Statistics Act 1905. Officers sign an undertaking of fidelity and secrecy to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities. Section 19 of the Census and Statistics Act 1905 forbids past or present ABS officers from divulging information collected under this Act, either directly or indirectly, under penalty of up to 120 penalty units (currently $13,200) or imprisonment for 2 years or both.
Personal privacy is paramount at the ABS. The Australian community can be confident that the ABS will keep their personal information secure - including data provided on paper Census forms or in the eCensus. The ABS has never and will never release identifiable personal information to any outside organisation, agency or project.
By the law outlined above, organisations such as the Tax Office and credit reference groups cannot have access to personal details from the Census or Census Data Enhancement projects.
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