PeopleWA uses a secure e-research platform for approved users to access and analyse data. A partial cost recovery model (the model) is applied to each approved non-government project for access to the e-research platform. The model is based on the requirements of each project and number of users, and reflects the pricing incurred by the Office of Digital Government (DGov) to host the project.
You can estimate the project cost by downloading the Price Estimate Calculator from the resource centre in the PeopleWA application system.
There are no charges for the review of applications, the costs of data linkage, extraction, or data updates.
Costs associated with the e-research platform
PeopleWA offers the workspace sizes and storage listed below.
The medium and large plans are likely to suit the majority of users.
Workspace Plan | Workspace Plan Details | Estimated Cost per Hour in AUD |
|---|---|---|
| Small |
| $0.17 |
| Medium |
| $0.37 |
| Large |
| $1.46 |
| X-Large |
| $2.82 |
| XX-Large |
| $5.63 |
| XXX-Large |
| $10.57 |
Additional project costs
Certain variable expenses are incurred for each project within the e-research platform. The table below details the specifications of these costs.
Variable Cost | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Operating system storage (per project) Covers costs related to the project’s disk space and file transfers. | $0.0957 per GB per month |
Project Storage (per project) Covers costs related to the shared folder in the Project drive. | $0.029 per GB per month |
Certain fixed costs are also charged to cover additional expenses incurred when operating the e-research platform. The table below details the specifications of the fixed costs.
Fixed Cost | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Marginal costs (per user) Covers standard software licencing | $7.00 per month |
Product storage (per project) Covers costs relating to the approved data extract stored in the Product drive. | $0.029 per GB per month |
Archiving fee (per project) Archiving costs for retaining the approved data extract. | $12.00 (one-time) |
*Cost estimates are based on publicly available rates (as at 20 July 2026) and are subject to change in line with adjustments to Microsoft’s pricing structure and cost incurred by the ABS. DGov will advise users of any significant cost changes.
Requesting a quote
Quotes are available on request by contacting the PeopleWA team via PeopleWA@dpc.wa.gov.au. Quotes are estimates and should only be used as a guide. The overall project cost will vary depending on your chosen workspace plan(s), number of project analysts, storage used and number of files transferred.
Invoicing and payments
Projects are invoiced twice per year. Short-term projects (under six months) are invoiced at completion. The final cost for each project is billed in Australian dollars and reflects actual SEAD usage.
Cancelling my workspace
Analysts must request their workspace be destroyed when no longer needed to avoid incurring ongoing costs. Note that costs will be incurred up to the date the PeopleWA team close the workspace or project, not the date the closure request is submitted.
