Example timeframes

The following timeframes are examples of previous research requests that were submitted to the Data Services Branch (DSB) and involved data linkage. These examples illustrate the application and linkage process, and the factors that may impact on the time frame.  Each request is unique.  The following are examples only.

See also How long will this research request take? and How to access data from the Statistical Services Branch for your research project.

Example 1

This is an example timeframe of a PHA request involving one dataset sourced from within DSB.  This example includes approval as well as linkage time.  It represents a relatively simple linkage request and approval process.

  • July 2025: PHA application received by DSB. Negotiations to clarify the request and linkage commence,
  • August 2025: PHA signed by DSB Data Custodian,
  • September 2025: Delegate approval letter provided to DSB by researcher,
  • October 2025: Awaiting linkage resources (two weeks). Linkage and checking (two weeks),
  • November 2025: Data provided to nominated researcher.

Example 2

A PHA application with three datasets accessed from the DSB Master Linkage File and one dataset external to Queensland Health.

  • July 2025: PHA application received by DSB. Negotiations to clarify the request and linkage commence,
  • August 2025: PHA signed by DSB Data Custodian. Negotiations with other data custodians are underway,
  • October 2025: Delegate approval letter provided to DSB by researcher,
  • January 2026: Awaiting linkage resources (six weeks). Linkage and checking (four weeks),
    • Factors impacting linkage in DSB: High number of linkage requests in DSB, therefore available linkage resources are limited
  • February 2026: Data provided to nominated researcher.

Example 3

A PHA application with three datasets accessed from the DSB Master Linkage File and five external datasets.

  • July 2025: PHA application received by DSB. Negotiations to clarify the request and linkage commence,
    • Factors impacting on negotiations: Unclear application, complex linkage details, multiple custodians
  • September 2025: PHA signed by DSB Data Custodian. Negotiations with other data custodians are underway,
  • November 2025: Delegate approval letter provided to DSB by researcher,
  • January 2026: Awaiting linkage resources (six weeks). Linkage and checking (four weeks),
    • Factors impacting linkage in DSB: Delays in datasets being provided to DSB, extract provided details by external data sources is incorrect and has to be supplied, high number of linkage requests in DSB, therefore available linkage resources are limited, an amendment was submitted after linkage had commenced causing delays
  • April 2026: Data provided to nominated researcher.

Example 4

A consent request with two datasets accessed from the DSB Master Linkage File and five external datasets.

  • July 2025: Consent application received by DSB. Negotiations to clarify the request and linkage commence,
  • August 2025: Consent application signed by DSB Data Custodian,
  • October 2025: Awaiting linkage resources (two weeks). Linkage and checking (two weeks),
    • Factors impacting linkage in DSB: Delays in datasets being provided to DSB, low data quality of supplied dataset, delays in being provided consent forms to check
  • November 2025: Data provided to nominated researcher.

Last updated: 20 April 2026