On 1 July 2022, functions for whole-of-government public data policy moved from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to the Department of Finance as a result of the Administrative Arrangements Order made on 23 June 2022.
Public data is a valuable national asset underpinning Australia’s ability to realise economic and social objectives. Public data is information collected or generated by the Australian Government and includes demographic, location, health, education, economic, business and other information.
Data policy settings aim to:
- optimise the use and reuse of public data,
- release non-sensitive data as open by default, and
- collaborate with the private and research sectors to extend the value of public data for the benefit of the Australian public.
Effective use and sharing of public data helps improve the evidence-base for government policy decisions, supports better government service delivery and provides Australians with the data they need. A balance exists in maximising the economic, social and environmental benefits of using public data, while maintaining a strong commitment to data privacy and security.
We advise the Government on whole-of-government data policy and strategy. We support Commonwealth data governance, data capability uplift, international data policy engagement, and the Data and Digital Ministers to drive and organise collaborative action to address systemic data challenges and digital service delivery.
We also work to help deliver the Government’s data and APS reform agenda, informed by the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service (the ‘Thodey Review’).