Data requests
Requesting information for research purposes
Unique Student Identifiers (USI) plus personal information can be requested for the purpose of research.
Subsection 18(2) of the Student Identifiers Act (the Act) provides that the Registrar may disclose a USI for research purposes if two conditions are met:
- the research relates to education or training, and
- the request meets the requirements specified by the Ministerial Council.
Section 25 of the Act provides that the Registrar may disclose the personal information attached to a USI if two conditions are met:
- the research relates to education or training, and
- the request meets the requirements specified by the Ministerial Council.
The National VET Data Policy sets the Ministerial Council requirements and establishes the Vet Data Access Committee (VDAC).
Submitting a request
To request the release of USIs or USIs and personal information complete the Unique Student Identifier Data Request Form.
Assessing a request
The Registrar seeks advice from the VDAC prior to deciding whether to grant a request. This is how the Registrar ensures that requests meet the requirements of the Ministerial Council. The Registrar may consider:
- legal advice or other expert opinion
- anything else he/she considers relevant to the decision.
The Registrar will make their decision within 30 days and advise the applicant in writing.
Obligations of recipients
Those who are granted access to USIs or USIs with personal information must comply with the following sections of the Act:
- Section 16 protects individuals from misuse and unauthorised access.
- Section 17 covers unauthorised collection, use or disclosure.
- Section 23 provides that breaches of section 11, 16 and 17 of the Act are taken to be interferences with the privacy of an individual for the purposes of the Privacy Act and can be investigated by the Information Commissioner.
Repeat request for information
The approval process may be streamlined if the data access request is a repeat of a previously approved data request with no material changes. Please email data@usi.gov.au for advice in these circumstances.