The recent Data Governance event hosted by the Graduate Data Network provided a forum for APS graduates and data governance newcomers to learn how data is used to drive better policy outcomes across the Australian Public Service.
The virtual event featured guest speakers:
- Tim Beard, Manager of Data Strategy from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER)
- Joanne Hillerman, Manager in the Research and Analysis Branch from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Data governance is integral to how we manage data across the Australian Public Service and Tim shared insights into how data governance is a key focus at DISER.
‘[Data governance] is very central to what we do and it always has been’ Tim said.
‘Data strategy and data governance go hand in hand, governance is part of our strategy but our strategy is also very much driven by governance.’
Setting a standard for well-governed data ‘involves everyone [in the workforce] at different levels’, Tim explained when outlining how DISER’s data strategy places emphasis on promoting data capability across their Department.
‘A big part of [building] data culture was to get out there and promote what we do and make sure people realise that they’re actually using data everyday’
‘Regardless of your role you have some sort of data in your job and you have to pay attention to it.’
Tim described how DISER’s data strategy is also driving improvements to data capability through the implementation of formal data literacy training courses for staff regardless of their level of experience.
'We have foundational data, we have intermediate level data, we have online tools that you can use…regardless of where you've come from or what your qualifications are or what your experience is, there's something you can do…'
Strong data governance provides a foundation for agencies across the APS to manage data assets in partnership. Joanne discussed the role of data governance in the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP).
‘It's really a partnership between a number of agencies. It's not just ABS data that's included in MADIP, but data from many partners that needs to be well managed with clear accountabilities.’
Joanne explained how MADIP is driving innovation and provides a unique opportunity to improve policy outcomes.
‘The MADIP data itself can be analysed to produce whole of life insights that can improve the lives of Australians’ she said.
‘There are hundreds of research projects a year that are now accessing MADIP for their analytical and research work.’
The event was part of the Graduate Data Network’s ongoing initiative to build data capability in early professionals joining the Australian Public Service.
If you are an APS graduate, or a data professional who would like to share your knowledge with the future public service leaders, visit the Graduate Data Network webpage.
Contact the Graduate Data Network for access to the recording or presentation of this virtual event.