OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

The Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP) is a partnership among six Australian Government agencies to combine longitudinal information on healthcare, education, government payments and personal income tax with population demographics to create a comprehensive social picture of Australia. The MADIP is a core component of the Australian Government's Data Integration Partnership for Australia. More information about the project can be found on the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project page.

Authorised researchers are able to use MADIP data, which does not contain direct identifiers and has been confidentialised, in a secure IT environment, to look at patterns and trends in the Australian population and provide insights into the effectiveness of government policies, programs, and services.

AVAILABLE PRODUCTS

The following MADIP microdata products are available:

• Multi-Agency Data Integration Project Basic Longitudinal Extract, 2011-2016 (2011 Cohort); and
• Multi-Agency Data Integration Project Basic Longitudinal Extract, 2011-2016 (2011-2016 Cohorts).

The Basic Longitudinal Extract (2011) contains key demographic, social, healthcare, government payment and income information spanning 2011-2016 for the Australian population in 2011. This information is sourced from:

• the Medicare Enrolments Database (MEDB);
• Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) data;
• Social Security and Related Information (SSRI);
• Personal Income Tax (PIT) data; and
• the Census of Population and Housing (Census) 2011 data.

The Basic Longitudinal Extract (2011-2016 Cohorts) contains key demographic, social, healthcare, education, government payment and income information spanning 2011-2016 for the resident Australian population between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016. This information is sourced from:

• the MEDB;
• MBS data;
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data;
• PIT data;
• SSRI;
• Apprentice and Trainee (AT) data; and
• Census 2016 data.

MADIP microdata products can be used to study how socioeconomic characteristics predict government service usage and changes over time. These datasets also allow for analysis of changes in social, health and economic outcomes for sub-populations such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, young people, older Australians, welfare recipients, and regional communities.

APPLYING FOR ACCESS

Researchers who are affiliated with Australian Government or academic research organisations can apply for access to use MADIP microdata in DataLab for in-depth analysis using a range of statistical software packages.

Information about the DataLab can be found on the Using the DataLab and About the DataLab pages.

To find out how to apply for access to MADIP microdata in the DataLab, contact dipa@abs.gov.au.

The ABS is trialling access to MADIP microdata via Protari – a tool with a web-based Table Interface and an application programming interface (API). Participation in the trial is open to analysts associated with Australian Government agencies. The MADIP Basic Longitudinal Extract, 2011-2016 (2011 Cohort) microdata product is currently available via Protari.

More information about Protari and the access trial is available on the Using Protari and Protari pages.

To find out how to participate in the trial, contact protari@abs.gov.au.

Test files containing false, randomised data based on the MADIP products are available from the Downloads tab. The data in the test files is not real. The purpose of the test files is to allow users to become familiar with the product structure and prepare code/programs prior to accessing the actual microdata in the DataLab. For more information, see the MADIP Basic Longitudinal Extract, 2011-2016 (2011 Cohort) DataLab Test File and the MADIP Basic Longitudinal Extract, 2011-2016 (2011-2016 Cohorts) DataLab Test File pages.

Further information to assist users in understanding and accessing microdata is available from the Microdata Entry Page.

SUPPORT

User Guides for the MADIP microdata products are available for authorised researchers to access in the DataLab.

For additional information about and support for using the microdata products, contact dipa@abs.gov.au.

For technical support in using the DataLab, contact microdata.access@abs.gov.au or call (02) 6252 7714.

For technical support in using the Protari tool, contact protari@abs.gov.au.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The MADIP Consultation and independent Privacy Impact Assessment page provides further information about the independently conducted assessment of MADIP’s compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles and targeted stakeholder consultation.

Further information about ABS statistical data integration is available on the ABS Data Integration page.

The ABS Privacy Policy outlines how the ABS will handle any personal information that you provide to us.

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email client.services@abs.gov.au.