PLIDA Core Modules

As part of PLIDA integrated detailed microdata, the ABS has developed Core modules. The Core modules are data packages within the PLIDA Modular Product and are designed to make PLIDA microdata easier to use and reduce duplication of effort among users.   

Core modules provide a streamlined way to access commonly used data items in PLIDA. They are pre-built datasets that consolidate common data items from multiple existing sources into a single, consistent set of derived data items. They simplify access to essential information and reduce the need for researchers to create these derived data items themselves. This approach supports:  

• Consistency of key data items across research projects.  
• Faster insights – by performing common data transformations centrally, researchers have more time to focus on their areas of expertise.  
• Data minimisation by reducing the need to request and access multiple source datasets to achieve similar outcomes.  

Each Core module contains one or more files with derived data items (for example, month and year of birth). These derived data items are created using a rules-based approach that consolidates information from multiple source datasets.   

To support flexibility, single source files are also included in Core modules. This allows researchers to apply their own derivation methods if preferred.   

Every Core module is accompanied by comprehensive explanatory material, including:   

• Detailed descriptions of the derivation process.  
• Guidance on how to use the module effectively.  
• Information about known limitations and caveats about the data.   

Core modules are available as part of the PMP in the ABS DataLab environment. Researchers can request Core modules via myDATA as part of their PLIDA project proposal.   

Each DataLab project is granted access to the appropriate edition of Core modules based on the Census data included in the project.   

The Core Demographics module includes month and year of birth, date of death, sex or gender and country of birth. Input datasets and associated data custodians for this module are: 

• Census (ABS) 
• Death Registrations (ABS) 
• ATO Client Register (Australian Tax Office (ATO)) 
• DOMINO Centrelink Administrative Data (Department of Social Services (DSS)) 
• Medicare Consumer Directory (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) and Services Australia (SA)) 

The Core Locations module provides geocoded location data for individuals. Input datasets and associated data custodians for this module are: 

• ABS Address Register (ABS) 
• ATO Client Register (ATO) 
• DOMINO Centrelink Administrative Data (DSS) 
• Medicare Consumer Directory (DHDA and SA) 

The Core Scoping module helps define populations of interest for a given time period. Input datasets and associated data custodians for this module are: 

• Death Registrations (ABS) 
• Birth Registrations (ABS) 
• ATO Client Register (ATO) 
• Income Tax Return (ATO) 
• Payment Summary (ATO) 
• Single Touch Payroll (ATO) 
• DOMINO Centrelink Administrative Data (DSS) 
• Australian Immunisation Register (DHDA) 
• Medicare Benefits Scheme (DHDA) 
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (DHDA) 
• Medicare Consumer Director (DHDA and SA)  
• Travellers (Home Affairs) 

The Core Relationships module captures partner and parent-child relationships. Input datasets and associated data custodians for this module are: 

• Census (ABS) 
• Death Registrations (ABS) 
• Birth Registrations (ABS) 
• Income Tax Return (ATO) 
• DOMINO Centrelink Administrative Data (DSS) 
• MBS Family Safety Net (DHDA and SA) 
• PBS Family Safety Net (DHDA and SA) 

The Core Income module consolidates weekly and annual income information for individuals.  Input datasets and associated data custodians for this module are: 

• Income Tax Return (ATO) 
• Payment Summary (ATO) 
• Single Touch Payroll (ATO) 
• Superannuation Accounts Extract (ATO) 
• DOMINO Centrelink Administrative Data (DSS) 

The Core Disability Flags module uses disability flags to scope the disability population to those who receive disability-related government payments and services. These are community-supported disability flags as part of the disability project. Input datasets and associated data custodians for this module are: 

• DOMINO Centrelink Administrative Data (DSS) 
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (National Disability Insurance Agency)  

Core modules are developed from existing PLIDA datasets that are already available to approved users in DataLab. The ABS applies the same rigorous privacy protections to Core modules as it does to all PLIDA datasets. This includes:   

• Safe Data Risk Assessments for each dataset.  
• Review by the ABS Disclosure Review Committee, where appropriate.  
• Strict adherence to the Five Safes Framework and the Separation Principle.   

The 2024–25 PLIDA Privacy Impact Assessment update confirmed that Core modules do not increase re-identification risk when used within the existing PLIDA governance framework.