Join us on 19 March 2026 at the Australian Government Data Forum.
About the Forum
The 2026 Australian Government Data Forum brings together data professionals, policymakers, researchers and sector leaders to explore how data delivers real value for the Australian community. Centred on the theme From the People; For the People – The Value of Data to the Australian Community, the Forum highlights data as a public asset and its responsible, ethical, and impactful use. Attendees will hear from government data leaders on improving data sharing, navigating privacy and ethical challenges, and using data to deliver meaningful community outcomes.
Organised by the Australian Government Graduate Data Network, the Forum will be held on 19 March 2026, both in person at QT Canberra and online. Tickets will be available soon.
Benefits of Attending
- Discover the transformative power of data: Learn how using data can build public trust in government, improve the lives of everyday Australians, and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Stay updated: Hear from leaders across government to keep up to date with the latest innovations and developments in data.
- Navigate data risks: Understand the privacy, security, and ethical challenges of using data in the digital age.
- Cross-government collaboration: Discover how to break down silos to improve data sharing and integration across state, territory, and federal governments to deliver on national priorities.
- Networking opportunities: Take the opportunity to network with data professionals, build relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on future projects.
- Career Guidance: Gain early data career advice specifically tailored for aspiring data professionals.
Discover how data is transforming government policy, programs, and services across critical areas:
2026 Ministerial Addresses
Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Social Services
Tanya Plibersek is the Minister for Social Services, and the Federal Member for Sydney. Between 2013 and 2019, Tanya was Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. From 2013 to 2016, Tanya was also the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development. From 2017 to 2022 Tanya was the Shadow Minister for Education and the Shadow Minister for Women.
Read more about the Minister on the Parliament of Australia website.
Hon Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Social Services, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence
Ged Kearney is the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and the Federal Member for Cooper in the Albanese Labor Government. She has served in the parliament since March 2018, when she was first elected in a by-election. Ged has previously served as the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, and the Shadow Assistant Minister for Skills.
Read more about the Assistant Minister on the Parliament of Australia website.
Detailed Agenda
| Time | Session Details |
| 9:15am-9:30am | Opening Remarks and Welcome to Country |
| 9:30am-9:45am | Ministerial Address |
| 9:45am-11:00am | Power of Data – How Data-driven Decision Making is Improving the Lives of Everyday Australians |
| 11:00am-11:20am | Morning Tea |
| 11:20am-12:35pm | Overcoming Barriers to Data Sharing and Integration |
| 12:35pm-1:20pm | Lunch – including poster displays |
| 1:20pm-2:00pm | Indigenous Data Sovereignty – Understanding the Governance of Indigenous Data Framework |
| 2:00pm-2:40pm | Early Data Careers Workshop – Equipping Future Data Leaders with the Tools for Success |
| 2:40pm-3:00pm | Afternoon Tea |
| 3:00pm-4:15pm | Dark Side of Data – Tackling Evolving Threats and Securing Public Trust |
| 4:15pm-4:30pm | Closing Remarks |
| 4:30pm-7:00pm | In-person Networking Session (must have networking ticket to attend) |
Thank you to our event sponsors:
- The Australian Taxation Office
- The Department of Finance
- Department of Education
- Department of Social Services
