PeopleWA

Data linkage is the process of connecting information from multiple data sources together to create a richer and more comprehensive dataset. Data related to a common individual, family, place or event can be linked together to offer a population-level view that supports important policy decisions and research.

Data linkage supports sophisticated and comprehensive studies of whole populations in a way that protects individual privacy. This provides a richer understanding of the community impacts of government decisions, services, and programs over time.

Most PeopleWA datasets are sourced from information captured in systems that have been created for the purpose of delivering government services or programs. Data is provided from supporting agencies as periodic snapshots and can change over time as data is updated and systems are transformed. Therefore, PeopleWA might not capture all individuals in Western Australia, may differ from official statistics, and is not real-time. 

PeopleWA is best used to understand population groups and trends for evidence-based policy, evaluation, and long-term planning. 

PeopleWA contains information on life events, like births, deaths, education, health and mental health, disabilities (including intellectual), public housing, and the criminal justice system. More information about the datasets we have, including the years they cover, is available in our data catalogue.

New datasets are added to PeopleWA to ensure we continue to meet policy and research needs.

In line with global standards, PeopleWA applies the separation principle to protect individuals’ privacy. This means that no one, including PeopleWA applicants and staff, has access to both demographic (identifiable) and service data.

When data is provided to PeopleWA, personal identifying data only goes to the Department of Health’s linkage team, who match information and create encrypted linkage keys. DGov receives the de-identified content data, and the encrypted linkage keys from the Department of Health. PeopleWA then only provides the content data required and approved for the project, and the encrypted linkage keys are provided to approved projects.

PeopleWA provides a secure e-research platform for approved users to access and analyse data. A usage fee applies to non-government projects, with the cost based on how much you use the platform. Costs depend on how powerful your virtual computer is, how much data storage your project uses, how many people use the platform for your project, and how often.

You can download the price estimate calculator from the resource centre in our application system to estimate pricing or request an estimate from the PeopleWA team. See the PeopleWA e-research platform pricing page for further details.

PeopleWA applications are assessed by data custodians from participating organisations. This assessment is undertaken in line with legislative requirements and the Five Safes, a global best practice framework for responsible data sharing considering projects, people, data, settings and outputs.

The PeopleWA Governance Group (PWAGG) consists of representatives from organisations that provide data to PeopleWA. PWAGG is responsible for providing additional risk oversight. Further information on PWAGG is available in the section below.

Approval by an accredited human research ethics committee is required for all research projects seeking access to PeopleWA. Additionally, applications for information held by the Department of Health requires approval from the Department’s Human Research Ethics Committee as per its Research Governance Framework, facilitated by the Research Governance Service.

PeopleWA has strong cyber security controls in line with the WA Government’s Cyber Security Policy. PeopleWA data can only be accessed for approved purposes using the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Secure Environment for Analysing Data (SEAD). All information is reviewed before it can leave SEAD, and all publications are reviewed prior to external circulation.

The PeopleWA Governance Group (PWAGG) supports the Data and Linkage Advisory Committee (DALAC) and DGov to oversee and optimise PeopleWA. 

Their work includes:

• reviewing PeopleWA applications;
• providing recommendations for a schedule of future linkages and expansion of linked data;
• collaborating on streamlining operational data access and use issues;
• facilitating collaboration with the research and community sectors;
• reporting to DALAC on the progress of linked data initiatives; and
• addressing issues related to data linkage and sharing practice.

PWAGG is comprised of data custodians and representatives from PeopleWA partner organisations, including:

• WA Department of Communities
• WA Department of Housing and Works
• WA Department of Education
• Australian Government Department of Education
• WA Department of Health
• Western Australia Police Force
• WA Department of the Premier and Cabinet
• WA Mental Health Commission
• WA Department of Justice
• WA Department of Treasury and Finance
• WA Department of Training and Workforce Development
• Busselton Population Medical Research Institute
• The Kids Research Institute Australia

PeopleWA has been used to improve outcomes for WA communities. This includes:

• understanding trends and risk factors in public health;
• monitoring progress against Closing the Gap targets; and
• investigating ways to improve policies affecting the criminal justice system.