Access outside of Australia

Applications for overseas access are open to: 

• Domestic researchers temporarily located overseas
• Researchers from an overseas entity commencing new DataLab projects
• Overseas organisations collaborating on existing Australian-led projects
• Analysts and discussants

All applications are subject to a comprehensive assessment, including: 

• Review by ABS security and governance teams
• Review by Data Custodians
• Final approval by the Australian Statistician 

Approval is not guaranteed. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

Researchers who are on multiple DataLab projects must be approved for each project.

Applications must demonstrate: 

• A clear and justified need for overseas access
• Alignment with the Five Safes Framework and additional overseas risk controls
• Public value and benefit to Australia
• Organisational support, including endorsement from a Responsible Officer or senior leader
• Sufficient information to support a security and risk assessment (e.g. access location, researcher details)

• The assessment process typically takes:
  • 1 to 2 months for Australia-based researchers wishing to access DataLab from overseas
  • 2 to 4 months for Overseas Entities requesting access. These timeframes can vary depending on data custodian approvals and legal work required
• Charges apply for this service. An assessment fee is payable even if the application does not proceed or is denied by the ABS. For details, refer to Charges

To begin an application or for further enquiries, please contact: info@mydata.abs.gov.au