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The Data and Digital Government Strategy (the Strategy) will spearhead a new approach for the Australian Government. This pioneering strategy marks its first integrated plan encompassing data and digital facets, shaping the landscape of how these realms will be utilised and managed until 2030.
At its core, the Strategy embodies the Australian Government’s vision to furnish accessible, secure, and interconnected public services for everyone and every business. Its bedrock lies in fostering top-tier data and digital capabilities, all geared towards delivering seamless experiences. Complementing this vision is the Implementation Plan (the Plan), detailing the step-by-step approach to realising these objectives.
The release of the Data and Digital Government Strategy heralds a new chapter in public service delivery. It outlines a trajectory focused on user-centric, secure, and streamlined services, leveraging state-of-the-art data and digital tools to cater to both individuals and businesses.
This Strategy, with its sights set on 2030, stands as a pivotal marker, representing the inaugural unified framework that underscores the government’s dedication to optimising its wealth of data resources and digital expertise.
Australia’s digital government landscape is poised for transformation through a national integration infrastructure, the consolidation of redundant data and silos, and the introduction of transparent progress scorecards – all encapsulated within the ambit of the new 2030 Data and Digital Government Strategy (DDGS).
OpenGov Asia has reported an overview of the strategy, but several initiatives collectively underscore the Australian Government’s commitment to optimising data management, fostering ethical data practices, and enhancing digital service performance for the benefit of citizens and organisations.
Australian Government Data Catalogue
The Office of the National Data Commissioner (ONDC) is spearheading the creation of the Australian Government Data Catalogue. This central repository aims to streamline the discovery, use and re-utilisation of government-held data. By consolidating data inventories from agencies, including those from the Data Inventories Pilot Program (DIPP), this Catalogue enhances transparency, diminishes duplication, and encourages wider data reuse and sharing.
Australian National Data Integration Infrastructure (ANDII)
In collaboration with states and territories, the Australian Government is developing ANDII as the foundational infrastructure for data sharing, integration, and national linkage. This initiative encompasses a National Linkage Spine, a governance model, streamlined data-sharing protocols, and a secure cloud-based ICT solution. Notably, ANDII will serve as the backbone for the enduring National Disability Data Asset and potentially for other policy domains, functioning under the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022 Scheme and the Intergovernmental Agreement on Data Sharing.
Data Ethics Framework
A comprehensive Data Ethics Framework, spanning the entirety of the Australian Public Service (APS), will guide ethical considerations in public data usage. This framework, extending beyond current practices, aims to accommodate emerging technologies. It aligns with existing products such as guidance on generative AI and ethical conduct in human research. Adoption across APS agencies ensures responsible and innovative data use, fostering public trust.
Digital Services Monitoring Pilot Programme
The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) is initiating a pilot programme to design effective performance monitoring for digital services across the entire government. Over six months, selected agencies will participate, testing proposed performance measures. The programme aims to offer comprehensive insights for data-driven decision-making, aiding Strategy implementation and advising investment decisions.
Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme
More resources will be available to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner to bolster investigations and enforcement regarding privacy and data breaches through the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme. This initiative aims to enhance public trust in the Government’s data custodianship and align with community expectations, forming part of the broader Stronger Privacy Protection and Enforcement commitment in the 2023-24 Budget.
The Data and Digital Government Strategy is an innovative plan shaping Australia’s direction until 2030. It’s focused on delivering accessible, secure, and interconnected public services through advanced data and digital capabilities.
Supported by an Implementation Plan, it prioritises user-centric, secure, and efficient services with cutting-edge tools. This strategy underscores the government’s commitment to optimising data resources and digital expertise, poised to transform Australia’s digital landscape through various initiatives aimed at enhancing data management, ethical practices, and digital service performance for all.
