PLIDA Board

The PLIDA Board held a meeting on 24 June 2026.  

Topics discussed included:  

• The PLIDA Board Annual Report 2025-26 was distributed and endorsed by the Board. It gives an introductory and high-level overview on PLIDA and covers a wide range of updates on integrated data at the ABS, key metrics and a historical overview on access to integrated data. Members provided feedback on the document, and the report is now available on the ABS website.
• PLIDA Update:
  • With the PLIDA Board membership review in the last meeting, the Terms of Reference annual update was reviewed. The Board agreed that the Annual Report and ToR will be updated to the ABS website simultaneously.
  • Spine Enhancements
    • The ABS has paused this work program while delivering the next Person Linkage Spine update. However, the ABS have identified several enhancements which will be implemented in the new upcoming Spine build.
      • Expansion of historical scope of the Spine datasets to improve historical data in PLIDA and improve the ability to link historical cohorts into the asset.
      • Further refinement and identification of the ATO Client Register: Due to low-quality data, some of the register is normally dropped from the Spine. However, due to the use of Splink probabilistic linkage the ABS is able to accept more units from the register.
      • Quarterly refreshes of address and demographic information on the spine between annual spine builds.
      • Births, Death and Migrants data was investigated to possibly add to the Spine, but more work is needed. This work has also been paused for the upcoming Spine build process but will be resumed later in preparation for a future Spine update process. Generally, the ABS has found that these datasets are not required as spine datasets except where there are temporal or other known gaps in existing spine datasets. 
      • After the Spine build, there will be further testing and announcement of Births, Deaths and Migration enhancements to continue improving the spine and ensure there are no unforeseen impacts on linkage processes.  
• The Chair asked the Board to think about the future development of PLIDA operating model as well as the PLIDA Strategy for discussion at the October 2026 meeting. 

The PLIDA Board held a meeting on 24 March 2026.  

Topics discussed included:  

• The Board endorsed the expansion of membership to include 1-3 State and Territory representatives as observers with time-limited working groups where required. The Board aims to have State and Territory observers in the June 2026 meeting.
• The Board endorsed further scoping of the model to allow private sector access to DataLab without government sponsorship, where projects demonstrate clear public benefit. The Board noted the risks, potential effort and consequences on resourcing, and how the ABS will test social licence. The ABS aims to bring this scoping paper back to the Board in the October 2026 meeting.
• The Board endorsed implementation of a Data Ethics Assessment Framework (DEA), a short ethics self-assessment embedded in myDATA triggered by a request for sensitive data. This framework comes into effect in the scenario where ethics approval is not otherwise mandated.
• The Board endorsed the publishing the PLIDA Data Ethics Principles to strengthen the public trust and clarity in PLIDA Governance.
• PLIDA Update:
  • The Board noted an update on the Enduring Multipurpose Program (EMP) pilot, which aims to improve predictability and efficiency for recurring, high-value research programs, and was extended to June 2026 due to approval delays. Early findings show strong ABS support for users and no increase in data change requests, providing a stable baseline to assess benefits over time. 
  • The Board noted commencement of a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to support inclusion of the Personal Safety Survey in PLIDA, recognising it as a highly sensitive but critically important dataset for public policy, including work on violence prevention. The PIA will roll out over the next 12 months, with Board members invited to provide feedback throughout the PIA process.
  • The Board supported updates to improve the currency and coverage of the Person Linkage Spine, including quarterly updates of demographic information and investigation of incorporating Births, Deaths and Migration data. These enhancements aim to improve linkage quality, address known coverage gaps, and strengthen longitudinal and intergenerational analysis as additional State and Territory data are integrated.

The next PLIDA Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

The PLIDA Board held a meeting on 29 October 2025.  

Topics discussed included:  

• The Board discussed expanding membership to other data custodians, stakeholders and users to the PLIDA Board. Support was given and the ABS will provide membership options in the next PLIDA Board meeting in early 2026. 
• The ABS commissioned Maddocks to undertake a Supplementary PLIDA Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) on detailed justice data to address the privacy and ethical risks of incorporating this sensitive data on an enduring basis. Maddocks consulted widely with stakeholders, including data custodians and privacy experts, to identify concerns and mitigation strategies. This included: 
  • Refinement of the ABS Data Ethics Framework to provide assistance with ethical considerations for a project.   
  • Data custodians to provide more information on the quality of the detailed justice data when submitting their data into PLIDA.  
  • Additional identification risk process at the project approval stage implemented to provide guidance for data custodians.  
• The ABS Privacy team presented a proposal to introduce a threshold ethics assessment to formalise ethical governance across PLIDA projects. Recent PIAs conducted recommended clearer criteria, structured oversight, and early identification of ethical risks. This assessment will determine whether further ethical review is required and ensure that all risks are documented. The ABS Privacy team will pilot the threshold ethics assessment and will return to the Board for endorsement in early 2026.
• PLIDA Update:
  • The ABS have extended the Enduring Multipurpose Pilot (EMP) Status Update pilot phase by an additional 6 months to give time to evaluate the projects when operating. 
  • The StatsLab environment up and running within the ABS starting with projects that have already been approved within DataLab. The ABS has completed the first alpha release, developed an operating model, and begun bilateral discussions with data custodians to seek feedback on the StatsLab governance model. 
  • The ABS will collate responses from the User Experience and publish a list of updates and improvements on the ABS website.
  • The PLIDA Board 2024-25 Annual Report was distributed and endorsed by the Board. The current version focuses on the metrics of what is going on between PLIDA and DataLab, Board decisions and endorsements. 
  • The ABS drafted an implementation plan for Overseas Access that was formed off the back of the international overseas access pilot. The plan was developed to guide the actions that would allow us to embed overseas access robustly into our standard procedures around governance. The ABS meet regularly internally to report on this and scope when this process will fold into our business as usual (BAU).  

The PLIDA Board held a meeting on 26 June 2025.

Topics discussed included:

• An update on feedback from the DSDG and the ABS Executive Board decision on screen sharing solution. Approval has been granted, and implementation of a technical solution for virtual collaboration in the DataLab is underway. Members' concerns about technical issues are being addressed, with a focus on seamless screen sharing and secure access.
• As a part of the Governance of Indigenous Data (GID) Framework, the APS is committed to cultural and capability uplift, both internally and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. The Board members expressed broad support for this work. Under the proposed access pathway, the process for seeking PLIDA data custodian approvals will remain consistent with existing procedures used for integrated data projects.  The new access pathway will involve Community requests for PLIDA data directed to a central service within the ABS to identify the most suitable approach. This may involve communities conducting their own analysis with guidance, technical support and upskilling provided by consultancy services where required, or alternatively, having analysis carried out by consultancy services on their behalf.
• An update on overseas access arrangements. DSDG and the ABS Executive Board endorsed the arrangements and were comfortable with legal and cyber advice. Implementation of processes and system enhancements are underway. There will be frequent system reviews to ensure contemporary standards in cyber security and international threat management.
• PLIDA Update:
  • The 2025 User Experience Survey satisfaction ratings for Data integration services, PLIDA products and DataLab were ~80%. However, satisfaction with myDATA was ~40%, which indicates a need for significant improvement. The Survey is conducted annually to assess client satisfaction and gather suggestions on improvement for Data integration services, PLIDA products, DataLab and myDATA.
  • Major data linkage work over the next year includes: the development of wealth and housing modular (WHAM) products which is in partnership with DSS, Treasury, RBA and DISR. Health data in PLIDA will be expanded: The ABS has a continuing program of work with DHDA, bringing in nationally significant health data. This includes a new body of work looking to link health program data related to services for drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
  • Financial year 2024/25 PLIDA Board Annual Report will soon be circulated to the Board members.
  • The ABS will consult all data custodians on the operating model of StatsLab in the next few months.
  • PLIDA and BLADE TableBuilder products are in development. These products will enable access to integrated data for those without the required skills or funding to access microdata in the DataLab. TableBuilder products have been requested by clients and Board members for some years. These products allow for instant (seconds) production of tables of counts from BLADE and PLIDA assets.
  • BLADE TableBuilder product will be released first, around September. PLIDA TableBuilder products will follow later in 2025.
  • PLIDA TableBuilder products will initially be based on the Core Modules, providing mostly demographic information. Over time this will be expanded to include subjects including income, migration, employment and education. The ABS will consult with members about each of these updates as they are released.
  • The highly anticipated PLIDA Core Income Module is planned for release in October 2025.
  • Accessibility Improvements are underway and include enhanced accessibility to microdata, especially for less experienced researchers and a focus on governance of Indigenous data.
  • The Board members were satisfied with the current PLIDA Board Terms of Reference.

The PLIDA Board held a meeting on 26 March 2025. 

Topics discussed included:

• The design of international and overseas DataLab access arrangements. The Board approved the implementation plan for international DataLab access arrangements, with controls and processes considered appropriate.
• The proposed ongoing solutions for virtual screen sharing. The Board approved the implementation of virtual screen sharing for DataLab user sessions using Jitsi Meet, while acknowledging challenges with the proposed technical solution.
• Implementing Enduring Multipurpose Programs (EMPs) for policy research and analysis. The Board agreed with the proposed five safes control and associated processes as sufficient to proceed with a 6-month pilot trial for EMPs, selecting 8 projects to participate.
• Update on StatsLab to support ABS production of official statistics from integrated data products. The Board endorsed the StatsLab concept in October 2024, initiating its development to enhance the use of PLIDA data in producing official statistics as part of the ABS data modernisation program.
• PLIDA Update:
  • PLIDA Board members and other data users recently contributed to the compilation of a “Data integration greatest hits” list consisting of significant projects. The list was well received and will be developed further for use in broader communication activities.  
  • The ABS Data for Evaluation Projects policy was recently endorsed, formalising  operational arrangements and legislative mechanisms for releasing data to support program and service evaluation activities.
  • From mid-March 2025, DataLab analysts use the myDATA Portal for all clearance requests, modernising the process and enabling efficient submission and monitoring of requests.
  • The ABS is finalising the data integration cost model and DataLab pricing for the 2025-26 financial year. While data integration fees are not expected to rise, new service categories may be introduced to better align with the nature of data integration activities undertaken by the ABS.
  • PLIDA currently has 27 datasets, with up to 62 expected by the end of 2025.
  • ABS received the second draft of the 2024–25 PLIDA Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) report from Maddocks on 25 February 2025, followed by an out-of-session briefing on 25 March for Board members to provide feedback.

The PLIDA Board held a meeting on 30 October 2024. 

Topics discussed included:

• An update on consideration of DataLab access from outside Australia. The Board emphasised that use cases need to articulate strategic alignment and benefits and that supporting international data sharing aligns with broader policy directions.
• An update on progress towards establishing arrangements for managing enduring projects in PLIDA for policy, research and analysis. The Board support the directions of this work and focussed on the need for review points and triggers, to ensure adaptive governance which supports ongoing data relevance and cost-efficiency.
• The concept of a “StatsLab” to support ABS production of official statistics from integrated data products. The Board endorsed the proposal with a recommendation to maintain rigorous peer review process for new statistics and continue consultations on privacy impact assessment and consent notices for integrated data use.
• Updates on the PLIDA:
  • Privacy consultation for the 2024-25 PLIDA Privacy Impact Assessment which is underway, led by independent privacy consultant Maddocks.
  • The ongoing work to clarify legislative arrangements for providing access to data which may indirectly identify a service provider.
  • The addition of new PLIDA data expected to be available in early 2025. The data includes APS Employee Data, expanded NDIS data and Mission Australia data.
• An update from TableBuilder roundtable and general discussion on lessons learned, experiences exchanged, opportunities and further application and utilisation related to Table Builder.

The Board were also advised of the outcomes of the 2024 DataLab and Data Integration User Experience Survey out of session.

The PLIDA Board held a meeting on 26 June 2024. 

Topics discussed included:

• an update on consideration of International and Overseas Researcher Access
• management of large enduring projects in PLIDA for policy, research and analysis
• opportunities for Departments to better leverage TableBuilder
• using PLIDA for policy impact analysis.

The 2024/25 PLIDA work program was also discussed and included:

• releasing PLIDA Core Modules
• updating the PLIDA Privacy Impact Assessment
• assessing new types of data for inclusion in PLIDA - private sector insurance data
• the PLIDA asset maintenance program
• the increasing demand for PLIDA data to support research projects
• communication and transparency initiatives.

The PLIDA Board held a meeting on 20 March 2024. 

The PLIDA Update included discussion about:

• principles for considering new datasets and data types in PLIDA
• the draft Expanded Health Data Linkage Privacy Impact Assessment
• the development of a 'linked by default' policy for ABS collections
• virtual screen sharing functionality to be made available in DataLab in 2024
• the rollout and review of the DataLab Charging Model.

Additional topics discussed included:

• consideration of International and Overseas Researcher Access
• the development of a whole of government Data Integration Strategy
• a presentation of the 2023 PLIDA Annual Report
• the PLIDA Board Terms of Reference Update.