FAQ

The NDDA aims to improve inclusion and opportunity for people living with disability in Australia. It is planning to do this by linking data – while protecting privacy – to better understand the life experiences of people living with disability and improve supports and services.

The NDDA pilot tested how people with disability, the disability sector and governments could use this linked data to:

• Understand what works for different people in different situations, and where things can improve
• Understand what is going on, and where better data is required
• And help people with disability to access supports and services that are right for them.

• Currently, the Commonwealth is working with states and territories as well as consulting with existing advisory groups, such as the Disability Representative Organisations Forum to explore the next phase of the NDDA. The Department of Social Services, in partnership with the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, is leading this phase of the NDDA.
• The Department of Social Services is planning to consult with the disability sector on a plan for the NDDA in the second half of 2022.

In the pilot phase, data was brought together and held securely by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Partners are currently considering the best way to bring together data for the next phase of the project, with a strong emphasis on privacy and responsible use of data.

During the pilot phase, the NDDA only linked existing data held by governments or agencies. In this next phase of development, the NDDA may collect new data to resolve critical gaps in existing data holdings.

The NDDA project team engaged with the disability community throughout the pilot to understand the needs and aspirations of people living with disability. This was done through the Disability Advisory Council, which provided regular feedback on how the NDDA should be designed. It was also done through speaking with individuals who have a disability, family members and carers, and with organisations who advocate for people with disabilities, and organisations that provide services. People with disability, and these organisations, were included in discussions about specific parts of the project. The views we heard have been incorporated into an initial plan for the NDDA which states and territories and the disability sector will be consulted on.

The engagement and consultation process during this next phase of the NDDA will include people with disability, their carers and families.

Consultation will begin in the second half of 2022 to provide the disability community with an opportunity to have a voice in the development of policies and programs affecting them.

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The NDDA pilot placed a very high importance on safeguarding data and protecting privacy. In particular, the linked data cannot be used by government in any way to intervene in the life of a specific individual or family. Data experts and researchers can only access de-identified data (that is, without the names and addresses). As the NDDA moves to the next stage, privacy continues to be a key priority.
Read more about privacy

By creating a more complete picture of the life experiences of people with disability across Australia the NDDA could help:

• People with disability, family members and carers
• Organisations that serve people with disability
• Researchers
• Governments

The pilot explored the best options for people to search for information and access insights. When the final design for the permanent National Disability Data Asset is developed, further information will be shared through this website.

The NDDA is planning to link the data from different government agencies to better understand the life experiences of people with disability. The data could cover areas such as education, jobs, income, health, safety and disability supports.

During the pilot the NDDA is undertook analysis through five public policy test cases and trialled website prototypes for timely and safe access to data insights. Read more about the test cases

The NDDA will not use data to identify individuals. It will use special methods and strict rules to protect privacy.
Read more about the privacy protections

The NDDA pilot tested how people with disability, the disability sector and governments could use linked data to 

• understand what works for different people in different situations, and where things can be improved
• assist people with disability to access supports and services that are right for them by providing them with better information.
• understand what is going on, and where better data is required

The NDDA will not use data to identify individuals. It will ensure privacy is protected.                                                                 Read more about the privacy protections

Safeguarding data and protecting privacy is a priority of the NDDA. Only authorised people can access pilot data and the people who access the data must follow strict ethical rules – all to protect privacy. Read more about privacy here. The NDDA will not use data to identify individuals.

• The linked data from the pilot and future linked data cannot be used by government in any way to intervene in the life of a specific individual or family
• Secure systems ensure that only authorised people can access data
• Data experts who analyse the data cannot see names and addresses and must follow strict ethical rules.

The pilot was delivered:

Commonwealth agencies:

• The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet;
• The Department of Social Services;
• National Disability Insurance Agency;
• Technical Project Team (based in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).

State and territory governments:

• National Project Team (based in the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet); and
• Governments of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria;

The pilot was guided by the NDDA Disability Advisory Council. The Council engaged with the disability community and provided guidance to the project team throughout the pilot phase.

Read more about the Disability Advisory Council

The NDDA pilot started in April 2020, following an agreement by the then Australian Data and Digital Council (now Data and Digital Ministers Meeting) in September 2019 to develop an enduring National Disability Data Asset, subject to sustainable funding. The Data and Digital Ministers Meeting is working to align policies and services across Australia by focusing on:

• Transforming government services around life events 
• Reforming cross-jurisdictional data and digital platforms, services and protocols
• Enhancing government capability to build public trust and deliver digitally
• Delivering a seamless digital identity experience for citizens

Membership of the Data and Digital Ministers is made up of one ministerial representative from each State and Territory with responsibility for data and/or digital matters and chaired by Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, representing the Commonwealth.