Australians are invited to have their say on the most important reforms in decades to the way the Federal Government uses and manages data.
A new Data Sharing and Release Act will transform the Australian data landscape and help optimise the use of Government data to increase social and economic outcomes for all Australians.
To ensure all voices are heard in this process, the Government has today released an issues paper outlining the key principles that will guide the framing of the new legislation.
The reforms will first and foremost look to strengthen the existing safeguards around the management of sensitive and private citizen data.
But they will also seek to replace the complex web of rules and regulations which currently restrict the release of non-sensitive data, stifling innovation and preventing productivity gains across all sectors of the economy.
Greater access to data will help governments and industry to make more informed and evidence-based decisions when formulating policy.
Earlier this year, I announced the creation of an independent National Data Commissioner to help improve access to data and oversee the new data sharing and release framework.
Expressions of interest are now open to those who would like to sit on the National Data Advisory Council, to guide the Commissioner in undertaking this valuable work.
It is important that we capture a broad range of views on these major changes, especially around issues of transparency, compliance and data safeguards.
To review and comment on the Issues Paper - Data Sharing and Release Legislation, please visit the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website. The consultation period will close on 1 August, 2018.