Data access and charging policy

One of the main functions of NCVER is to collect and publish the national VET statistics. NCVER acts as the custodian of this data and one of its goals is to ensure that the data are accessible as possible. It also has built up an extensive library as a resource for the VET sector. There are conditions and fees associated with access to the data from its statistical holidngs and information from its library.

It should be noted that NCVER undertakes research itself and commercial consultancies. NCVER's policy is that external users have access to the data and library information for these purposes under the same terms and conditions as NCVER. This includes charges for access to the data.

There are two broad principles governing access to data. The first is that access needs to protect the confidentiality of the data. This principle is spelt out in a separate document endorsed by the National Training Statistics Committee, Protocols for the Collection and Reporting of VET Statistical Information.

The second principle is that users will be charged the marginal cost of providing the data. The implication of this principle is that users are not charged for the infrastructure provided under the statistical program and research management contracts, but are charged for labour and materials for the provision of data. Free provision includes all data published on the internet and a number of hard copy publications.

No charges are made for requests which can be dealt with in less than half an hour.

For requests that take longer than half an hour the charge to cover labour is $90 per hour for either data extraction or library services. Other expenses as appropriate will be charged for. For example, a charge would be made if specialised software or hardware needed to be purchased. GST will be additional if applicable.