Development and implementation of a national online application system for cross-jurisdictional linked data

Thursday, April 28, 2022

This project has demonstrated that a coordinated application process for all nine (six states, two territories and the Commonwealth) Australian jurisdictions is both necessary and possible despite the differing policy, governance and regulatory environments. Its establishment is a significant achievement and Australia is the first federated nation to implement a coordinated application process for researchers to apply for access to cross-jurisdictional linked data in all jurisdictions.

The key elements required for the success of the project were:

• Funding and resource support for the consultation and software development
• A willingness from all stakeholders to identify and address the challenges
• Keeping a focus on improving the researcher experience whilst meeting legislative, regulatory and policy requirements

The PHRN has demonstrated its ability to work with multiple stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions to reach agreement on the best way to mitigate the risks and mediate the challenges associated with coordinating access to data from multiple jurisdictions. A consultative and flexible approach has been integral to the success of the project especially given that at the beginning of the project there was no reference point to develop and implement a coordinated application process. The study findings may be relevant to other countries such as Canada, the United States of America, Germany and Brazil, who may attempt cross-jurisdictional data linkage.

To read the full paper click here