National Disability Data Asset

Principles for adding datasets

There are 4 principles to help guide decisions about whether datasets should be included in the National Disability Data Asset. The National Disability Data Asset Council (the Council) developed these principles to use from 2026.

The 4 principles include:

• Thinking about if the use of the data is in line with the principles and acceptable uses in the National Disability Data Asset Charter (the Charter). Following the Charter is an important way to build trust in the National Disability Data Asset.
• Thinking about if there are limitations that would greatly reduce the value of including the data.
• Thinking about if the data has the potential to support new ideas and knowledge about the outcomes and human rights of people with disability. This includes evidence for improving laws, policies, services and research.
• Thinking about if the data is about specific communities and involving these communities in decisions about whether to include the data.

How to apply the principles

Different groups will need to use these principles.

This includes:

• the Australian Government National Disability Data Asset team
• Data custodians – government agencies who manage and keep data safe
• the Council
• advisory panels.

When these groups use these principles, they will also need to think about the:

• Charter – a document that includes principles and explains how the National Disability Data Asset should be used
• Strategic Vision for the National Disability Data Asset – this includes the overall vision and mission statements from the Council.