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What is CURF Microdata?
 



A Confidentialised Unit Record File (CURF) is a file of responses to an ABS survey that has had specific identifying information about a person or organisation confidentialised. Each person’s or organisation's response is called a ‘unit record’ or ‘microdata’.

CURF microdata is the most detailed statistical information available from the ABS and are used widely by universities, government and private sector researchers and analysts.

    The community receives vital benefits from research conducted using this microdata. The ABS assists this by providing approved individuals with access to micro-level confidentialised data from a range of surveys for specific research purposes.

    The ABS takes its responsibilities to protect the confidentiality of individuals' data very seriously. Such security is fundamental to the trust the Australian public has in the Bureau. The ABS ensures the confidentiality of all microdata made available on CURFs by implementing a number of confidentialisation techniques.

    The most basic of these techniques involves removing all identifying information, such as names and addresses. Additionally, data items that are most likely to be used for identifying unit records are only released in broad categories. More advanced confidentialisation occurs through checking the CURFs for records with uncommon combinations of responses. These records may be altered slightly to ensure individuals cannot be identified.

    After the microdata is confidentialised, CURFs are released to authorised clients for approved purposes of statistical analysis and policy research. All clients are bound by legal and other obligations, with regular audits carried out to ensure compliance. Penalties, usually relating to access, will apply if a breach occurs, however the ABS has the option to seek legal redress should the circumstances warrant such action.

    Individuals or organisations wishing to have access to CURFs must apply for approval by the Australian Statistician. Once approved, access to CURF microdata is granted via CDROM dispatched to the organisation, or through the Remote Access Data Laboratory (RADL) available through the ABS website. Researchers and analysts are able to run statistical queries on the CURF microdata using SAS, SPSS or Stata software.

    Over 100 CURF microdata files are available and come from a wide range of ABS household and labour surveys. Links in the navigator on the left of your screen will take you to lists of available CURFs and expected future CURF releases.

    Related Links:
    Responsible Access to ABS CURFs Training ManualCURF Contacts
    CURF Access Modes & Level of DetailObligations for CURF Users
    Remote Access Data Laboratory (RADL) User Guide
    (cat. no. 1406.0.55.002)    		Annual Renewal of CURF Access
    CURF Prices

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