Combining the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) with other data sources would enhance the breadth of information without adding respondent burden. This discussion paper explores two issues: the potential for linking data from existing administrative collections, such as Medicare, to LSAY; and the feasibility of combining data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) and LSAY via statistical matching. The overall conclusions are:

- It is not advisable to combine information from LSAY and LSAC into one dataset because results from any analyses using such a matched dataset would lack the methodological rigour required to inform policy and practice in meaningful ways.

- Strong consideration should be given to concrete plans for linking administrative collections to LSAY, starting with the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) and Medicare data