ABS Microdata (CURFs) - Statistics - Australian - Subject guides at University of Sydney

What is ABS Microdata?

Microdata options - CURFs
Microdata consists of Confidentialised Unit Record Files (CURFs) from key ABS surveys. The unit level for a CURF may be a household, an income unit or a family. The datasets have been confidentialised.
CURF microdata is the most detailed level of ABS statistical data available.
ABS list of available and expected Microdata
Includes technical papers and user guides for some datasets.
Compare data services
This table will help you choose the best ABS data service for your research.
Published Research Using Microdata
Includes research on education, household, population and health topics plus more.

How to apply for microdata?
CURF data is freely available to University of Sydney researchers under agreement between the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Universities Chancellors Committee (UCC).
Downloading CURF data
You must be registered first to download your CURF data from this page.

DataLab
DataLab is the data analysis solution for high-end users who want to undertake interactive (real time) complex analysis of microdata.
Compare ABS data services
To see if detailed microdata in the DataLab is the right service for you.

University of Sydney Higher Degree Research student access to ABS DataLab :

The student must use a secure University of Sydney supplied computer. The student’s department is responsible for providing access to a computer that meets ICT security requirements
The student’s supervisor must also have attended ABS DataLab training prior to the student being approved for access to DataLab
The student’s supervisor must support their access to ABS DataLab and be listed on the ABS application
The student must consult with University’s Ethics Office prior to applying for access to DataLab to clarify if human ethics approval is needed in order to conduct research using the intended data. If human ethics approval is needed, an ethics application must be submitted prior to applying for access to DataLab.