Safe researcher training

DataLab safe researcher training must be undertaken before you can use the DataLab or be approved on a project:

• training enables new users to become approved DataLab researchers or discussants
• available as face-to-face training via ABS offices, in most capital cities
• also available as virtual training

Training covers:

• your shared responsibilities as a DataLab user
• meeting your legislative requirements
• appropriate output for ABS clearance and data release

The training does not include:

• using the system
• using the data
• statistical capability training
• code or analytical language training

Safe researcher training and DataLab access are only available to researchers located in Australia in Australian organisations. International researchers and organisations will be considered on a case by case basis. 

Register for DataLab safe researcher training via the myDATA portal. The myDATA portal will be your one-stop shop for all aspects of DataLab training, onboarding and project management.

Once you have created your myDATA portal user account, click on the ‘My onboarding’ tile. You will find an ‘Enrol in training’ button. Click on the magnifying glass to select the training session that best suits you and click ‘Select’. Should there not be a suitable session, click on the 'No session suitable' and we will contact you directly.

Detailed registration steps are listed in the User Guide here.

Email data.services@abs.gov.au if you have issues with registering in the portal.

The successful and safe operation of the ABS DataLab relies upon researchers understanding their responsibilities and obligations when accessing the ABS DataLab.

All researchers seeking access to the ABS DataLab, including discussants, must complete the DataLab Safe Researcher training and satisfactorily complete a quiz before they will be granted access to the DataLab.

To retain access to the DataLab researchers must:

• undertake refresher training every two years or as directed by the ABS Researcher Onboarding and System Support
• resubmit relevant Declarations and Undertaking covering your responsibilities and obligations every two years or as required and as directed by the ABS Researcher Onboarding and System Support

If you think you might be due for refresher training please email data.services@abs.gov.au

Changing organisations does not invalidate a researcher's training status and the usual refresher training requirements apply.

Refresher training policy:
Researchers need to undertake refresher training because:

• key operations, such as output checking procedures and rules, will change over time
• reinforcing key elements on a regular basis reduces the likelihood that researchers forget them
• people can become complacent about complying with appropriate behaviours in the DataLab
• training reinforces the need to constantly refresh ones skills and knowledge about implementing safe researcher practices
• this ensures researchers remain aware of their responsibilities and obligations when using the DataLab

The refresher training policy requires: 

• all active users and discussants to complete the Safe Researcher DataLab refresher training every two years, or sooner if instructed to by the ABS
• resubmit relevant Declarations and Undertaking covering on responsibilities and obligations every two years, or sooner if instructed to by the ABS
• complete the training in the time-frame specified by the ABS to ensure access is not suspended.