Reconsenting to data linkage within ORIGINS

Your data can help researchers build a clearer picture of the health priorities facing Australian families.

Data linkage brings together information from different sources to create a more complete picture of your family's health and wellbeing.

When you first joined ORIGINS, you likely consented to data linkage, which makes the information collected from your samples, Kids Checks, and questionnaires, even more meaningful.

Since then, the Australian Government's rules around data linkage have changed, and all ORIGINS particiapants who wish to participate in data linkage must reconsent. This ensures families feel empowered to make informed decisions over the use of their data.

So, what is data linkage, and what does it have to do with ORIGINS?

With your consent, we'll share details like your name, address, and date of birth with the Australian Government.

This is used to securely match your records within government data systems, like the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Any data that is returned to ORIGINS is fully de-identified, so there is no way we can match your details to information we receive from these government departments.

Researchers can use this data to answer questions like:

How many WA children have needed to purchase an inhaler for asthma treatment?
What primary school subjects are children in WA needing additional support in?
How long does the average WA family spend on a wait list to see a health care specialist?

We follow strict processes to keep your data safe to protect your privacy, and you can learn more about ORIGINS' privacy policy here.

At your 8-Year Kids Check, our Paeds Team will chat with you and your child about data linkage, and provide the opportunity to reconsent.

By agreeing to data linkage with ORIGINS, you’re helping turn real-world information into evidence-based research that addresses some of the biggest health challenges facing Australian children - like mental health, obesity, and allergies.

Thank you for being such an important part of the ORIGINS journey. Your family's ongoing participation is helping shape a healthier future for generations to come.

Together, we're creating knowledge that will help children and families across Australia flourish throughout life.

If you have any questions about data linkage, we encourage you to email the ORIGINS Data team.

First published Thursday 9 July 2026.

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About ORIGINS

Local Research. Global Impact.

ORIGINS is the largest study of its kind in Australia, following 10,000 women, their babies, partners, and siblings, from conception into early childhood through a series of biological samples, face-to-face appointments, and online questionnaires.

Its goal is to develop targeted, more effective prevention and intervention strategies that support all families to flourish throughout life.

The unique interventional long-term study is one of the most comprehensive studies of pregnant women and their families in Australia, utilising over 400,000 biological samples and 30 million data points to deliver innovative, accelerated real-world research outcomes that aim to improve the health and families of now and for generations to come.

The research platform is headed by Co-Directors Professor Desiree Silva and Dr Jackie Davis.

ORIGINS received core funding from the WA Child Research Fund, Joondalup Health Campus, the Paul Ramsay Foundation, the Commonwealth Government of Australia through the Channel 7 Telethon Trust, and the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation.