Secure Environment for Analysing Data (SEAD)

The Secure Environment for Analysing Data (SEAD) service provides a series of secure, self-contained environments known as “SEADpods” within the ABS DataLab's cloud-based infrastructure. SEADpods operate independently from the DataLab but adhere to the same Safe Settings risk management controls, in line with the Five Safes framework.

The SEAD service enables government agencies engaging this service, referred to as “SEAD partners”, to adopt a SEADpod and inherit exclusive administration of that self-contained environment via self-service features. This allows them to retain full control and management of their data, users, projects, and outputs in accordance with their legislative, policy and risk requirements, while the ABS continues to maintain the system's Safe Settings protections.

• each SEADpod functions separately and independently of one another
• meets Australian government and ‘PROTECTED’ level security standards
• can be tailored to the SEAD partner’s business requirements and budget
• provides industry leading infrastructure and modern data science tools
• aligns with the ABS Data Strategy 2021–22 to 2025 and Australian Data Strategy
• rapid to setup and exclusively cost recovered
• supports data sharing under arrangements such as the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022

SEAD is designed for use by individual government departments to securely administer, host and share their own microdata assets. SEAD enables areas within departments to service their end-users who may be internal or external to conduct statistical research and modelling using the contemporary tools offered.

The SEAD service offers users the same functionality as the ABS DataLab to enable analysis of microdata. It also supports a range of other functions including research and testing for creating data products and data preparation and process improvement for data integration productions.

The ABS is currently offering SEAD to:

• federal agencies
• state and territory departments
• local government bodies.

This service is suitable for advanced levels of statistical skills. 

SEAD is designed for use by individual government departments.

Potential SEAD partners should ensure they meet eligibility criteria for SEAD and that their use case aligns with the SEAD services provided, for more information and a summary on how the ABS handle privacy as part of the SEAD service please refer to the SEAD Privacy Impact Assessment.

To register your interest and an initial consultation, please contact us to discuss your requirements. We encourage potential SEAD partners to have an initial discussion with the ABS to determine if SEAD is the right service for you.

As of July 2023, potential SEAD partners can request a quote to adopt a SEADpod. The quote is based on cost recovered components made up of delivery and system usage charges. 

SEADpod delivery charges

Starting from approximately $65,000 per annum, these charges cover information technology and administration support, system development, maintenance and licensing involved in subscribing to the SEAD service.

These charges will vary based on marginal cost of service levels agreed to in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).  

Additional charges apply for customised SEAD services. These services may include additional administrative support, data confidentialisation and output clearance, all in accordance with SEAD partner tolerances and instructions. 

System usage charges

Starting from approximately $2,000 per annum, per active Virtual Machine (VM), inclusive of standard software licensing.

An annual cost projection is produced in negotiation with the SEAD partner, based on estimated use. All charges reflect actual data and system usage passed on from Microsoft Azure to the ABS.

For more information about SEADpod charges and inclusions, see the cost overview. 

Information about how to access, use and troubleshoot SEAD can be found in the SEAD user guide.

The ABS collects, stores, uses, and discloses information about approved SEADpod users for the purposes of managing and operating the SEAD service. This includes information about: 

• ABS officers in the ABS SEAD systems administrator roles
• ABS officers using a SEADpod for approved projects
• approved users accessing a SEADpod administered by a partner (including partner primary administrators, administrators, and partner analysts). 

The ABS privacy policy and SEAD privacy notice outline how the ABS handles any personal information that you provide to us.

The SEAD Privacy Impact Assessment considers the potential privacy impacts on people whose personal information may be used as part of the SEAD service.

We are working to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 to Level AA, which describe how to make web content more usable and accessible for everyone. We want to provide our information for everyone, including people with a disability.

The SEAD platform runs on Windows 11 which enables existing accessibility features and functions to be utilised. Please note that text to audio functions in Windows 11 are not available due to sensitivities with the data. 

Available