Microdata: Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA)

The Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA) is a secure data asset combining information on health, education, government payments, income and taxation, employment, and population demographics (including Census) over time.

The ABS is trusted as the accredited Integrating Authority for PLIDA. The project is enabled through a partnership of agencies, which includes:

• Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Australian Taxation Office
• Department of Education
• Department of Health and Aged Care
• Department of Social Services
• Services Australia
• Department of Home Affairs

Approved researchers can use de-identified PLIDA data to look at patterns and trends in the Australian population and provide new insights into the development and evaluation of government policies, programs, and services.

All access to PLIDA data is via the PLIDA Modular Product (PMP), a detailed microdata product available to approved researchers in the ABS DataLab. Researchers can request access to the PMP by completing the ABS DataLab project proposal for detailed and integrated microdata. Access is subject to approval by PLIDA data custodians. 

PLIDA is comprised of a collection of datasets that have been linked together using the Person Linkage Spine.

The PMP is a collection of discrete modules corresponding to different datasets (for example, modules relating to Personal Income Tax, the Medicare Benefits Schedule and Higher Education) from which users select according to their research needs.  Modules are requested and approved individually. Only the modules needed for an approved project are provided to the researchers. 

Some PMP modules can be linked with the Business Longitudinal Analysis Data Environment (BLADE) using certain person-to-business relationships, such as employee to employer.  

A complete list of PMP modules and data items can be accessed from the Data downloads section below. Most PMP modules are updated on a regular basis. The update schedule is determined by the data supply agreements between the ABS and data custodians and the scheduling of ABS data integration activities. 

Researchers affiliated with Australian Government or academic research organisations can apply to use the PLIDA Modular Product in the DataLab for in-depth analysis using a range of statistical software packages.

Information about the DataLab can be found on the About DataLab page.

To find out how to apply for access to the PLIDA Modular Product in the DataLab, email data.services@abs.gov.au.

Further information to assist users in understanding and accessing microdata is available from the Microdata Entry Page.

A User Guide for the PLIDA Modular Product is provided for approved researchers in the DataLab.

For additional information about and support for using the PLIDA Modular Product, or for technical support using the Datalab, email data.services@abs.gov.au.

The PLIDA/MADIP Privacy Impact Assessments page provides further information about the independently conducted assessment of PLIDA including compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles and targeted stakeholder consultation.

Further information about ABS statistical data integration is available on the ABS Data Integration page.

This release previously used catalogue number 1700.0.