The Department of Finance recently hosted the latest Data and Digital Ministers Meeting (DDMM), held at Parliament House in Canberra on 27 February 2026. This meeting reinforced a shared commitment by governments across Australia and New Zealand to collaborate on data, digital and emerging technology priorities that improve services for people and businesses.
The meeting brought together Commonwealth, state and territory Data and Digital Ministers to agree on national priorities for 2026, progress key reforms, and launch the updated Digital ID and Verifiable Credentials Strategy, a significant milestone in Australia’s digital transformation agenda.
Finance’s leadership role
Finance supports the Chair, and coordinates operation of, the Data and Digital Ministers Meeting. DDMM is responsible for supporting the delivery of nationally agreed programs and reforms in collaboration with agencies including the Digital Transformation Agency, Services Australia, and the Department of Home Affairs.
Finance also supports ministers between meetings by helping to progress targets set under the National Data Sharing Work Program – a 6-monthly rotation of initiatives endorsed by the DDMM.
The latest work program will explore opportunities such as whether the EU decentralised data‑sharing Dataspaces model that preserves data sovereignty is applicable in an Australian setting.
Key outcomes from the February meeting
Ministers discussed the evolving cyber threat environment, were briefed by the Australian Signals Directorate and welcomed continued collaboration on implementation of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, were a central focus, with ministers agreeing that emerging technologies would become a standing agenda item for future meetings. This reflects the growing importance AI has in improving government efficiency and service delivery – as reflected in the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service 2025.
Ministers also agreed on shared priorities for 2026, including:
- undertaking the second review of National Cabinet’s Intergovernmental Agreement on Data Sharing
- advancing a ‘life events approach’ to government services, making it easier for people to find and access what they need across all levels of government
- strengthening digital inclusion through identification of interventions to support victims of family and domestic violence and initiatives to improve access to free-to-air television in remote First Nations communities.
Launch of the Digital ID and Verifiable Credentials Strategy
A key highlight of the meeting was the agreement and publication of the updated Digital ID and Verifiable Credentials Strategy, which sets a nationally consistent approach to secure, voluntary and inclusive digital identity and credentials.
The Strategy establishes a shared national direction to ensure Digital ID and verifiable credentials are secure, convenient and accessible, making it easier and safer for people and businesses to access government services, while minimising the sharing of personal information and supporting greater control over how identity information is used.
As part of the Strategy, ministers agreed on a priority set of nationally interoperable verifiable credentials to support consistent use across Australia, including:
- Driver Licences
- Proof of age/photo ID/Proof of identity cards
- Birth Certificates
- Medicare Cards
- Passports
Looking ahead
The February 2026 meeting demonstrated the value of strong cross‑government collaboration on data and digital reform. The DDMM continues to provide a forum for ministers to set shared direction and drive nationally consistent outcomes that benefit all Australians.
Further information on the Data and Digital Ministers Meeting and previous communiqués is available on our website.
