Australian citizens, businesses, researchers, academics and civil society groups have a broad range of views about how government handles data. On 1 May 2018, a new Data Sharing and Release Act to reform the Australian data system was announced. The Act will help optimise the use of Government data to increase social and economic outcomes for all Australians, while maintaining appropriate data lsafeguards. The Act will also provide for a new independent National Data Commissioner to oversee the new data sharing and release framework.

The Issues Paper - Data Sharing and Release Legislation is now available for public comment. All interested parties are invited to respond to some or all of the questions within the Issues Paper. It is important that a broad range of views on the legislation including on issues of transparency, non-compliance and data safeguards, are collected.

Review and comment on the Issues Paper - Data Sharing and Release Legislation. The consultation period will close on 1 August, 2018.