Supporting Health, Education, Social, and Economic Research and Policy in South Australia and the Northern Territory

Delivering high quality linked data for evidence-based research and policy evaluation

During 2025, SA NT DataLink is now part of SA Health

:

  • Research applications for data linkage will continue through the PHRN online application system.
  • Existing data linkage projects will progress as usual.
  • Any inquiries related to data linkage should be directed to health.santdatalink@sa.gov.au.
  • SA NT DataLink remains in the SAHMRI building on North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia.
  • All existing data sharing agreements with data custodians with the University of South Australia are being moved to SA Health.

The decision to move to SA Health as host, made by the SA Government in May 2023, reflects a commitment to ensure the sustainability of SA NT DataLink.

In a collaborative approach with the NT Government and other key stakeholders, establishes a long-term business model for SA NT DataLink.

From 1 January 2024, all staff are employed by SA Health. 

Updates on the transition will be communicated on this website and through broader communication channels, and stakeholder input into the future business model will be actively sought.

 

Governance of SA NT DataLink

A committee comprising SA Department for Health and Wellbeing, NT Health, SA Department for Education and the University of South Australia will continue to oversee operations in while new governance arrangements are put in place in 2024.

In accordance with the SA NT DataLink Consortium AgreementSA NT DataLink was established in 2009 as the authorised linkage system for South Australia and the Northern Territory. It is governed by the Steering Committee members with representation from each of the Consortium (Joint Venture) member organisations.

The 2023 SA NT DataLink Steering Committee members and their Consortium member organisations were :   

        Prof. Susan Hillier (Chair)                                - University of South Australia

        Prof. Lyle Palmer                                             - The University of Adelaide

        Dr Paul Burgess                                               - Northern Territory Government

        Susan Schultz                                                  - SA Department for Health and Wellbeing (SA Health)

        David Engelhardt                                             - SA Department for Education

        Prof. David Roder                                            - University of South Australia

        Prof. Steve Guthridge                                      - Menzies School of Health Research

 

Australian Government Funding Partner

The Australian Government's Department of Education and Training provides important financial support from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). NCRIS funding is provided through the PHRN - Population Health Research Network, with SA NT DataLink reporting to the Australian Government through the PHRN.

The Population Health Research Network (PHRN) Annual Reports provides details of the nationwide network of collaborating organisations supporting privacy protected and ethically approved data linkage.