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Public Data

Public data is information collected or generated by the Australian Government. It includes demographic, location, health, education, economic, business and other information.

Public data is a valuable national asset. The use, re-use and sharing of public data can help us understand who we are, how we live and what we need to do to make Australia a more successful and prosperous nation. Making public data accessible will help unlock insights that can benefit Australian society. The Australian Government is committed to realising the full potential of public data and managing public data securely.

The Public Data Policy Statement provides a clear mandate for Australian Government entities 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.

The Data and Digital Branch aims to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of using public data, while maintaining a strong commitment to the privacy and security of information.

Our work helps to improve the way data is managed, shared and published for the benefit of everyone in Australia.

Our work is about making sure public data can be used to help develop and implement government policies and programs that benefit all Australians. We also work to find ways for public data to support innovation and productivity.

Current Initiatives

Data Integration Partnership for Australia

Data Integration Partnership for Australia

The Data Integration Partnership for Australia (DIPA) is an investment to maximise the use and value of the Government’s data assets. Through data integration and analysis, the DIPA creates new insights into important and complex policy questions.

Data Sharing and Release Reforms

Data Sharing and Release Reforms

The Australian Government has committed to reforming data governance to better realise the economic and social benefits of increased data use, while maintaining public trust and confidence in the system.

Geocoded National Address Data

Geocoded National Address Data

Access to spatial data is becoming increasingly important given the rapid take-up and use of mobile devices in Australia.

Government Data Availability and Use

Government Data Availability and Use

On 1 May, 2018, the Australian Government published their response to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Data Availability and Use, agreeing to the majority of the reforms that were proposed.

National Data Commissioner

National Data Commissioner

Australia’s National Data Commissioner will provide oversight and regulation of the Australia’s new national data sharing and release framework, including monitoring and reporting on the operation of the framework and enforcing the accompanying legislation.

Open Data

If data is described as ‘open’, it means anyone can access, use or share it. All Australian Government agencies are encouraged to make their data available (using an appropriate open license) on the data.gov.au website.

Public Data Policy

Public Data Policy

On 7 December 2015, the Australian Government released its Public Data Policy Statement as part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda. The Policy Statement commits Commonwealth Government entities to:

Public Sector Data Management Project

Public Sector Data Management Project

In early 2015, we led a study about how public sector data helps the government with better service delivery and efficiencies. The study also looked at how the private sector can use data to stimulate economic activity.

Latest News

Blue background with words ‘Sharing Data Safely’

Empowering the public service to ‘share data safely’

National Data Commissioner

Wednesday, 20 March 2019

The Sharing Data Safely guidelines are empowering government agencies to share data safely.

Release of Australia’s Second Open Government National Action Plan 2018-2020

Friday, 21 September 2018

Australia’s Open Government National Action Plan for 2018-2020 has been launched.

A group of eleven people wearing business clothes sit around a long rectangular table. They are talking to each other.

Nominations for Australia’s next Open Government Forum are now open

Tuesday, 18 September 2018

Nominations are now being sought from individuals to fill civil society positions on Australia’s next Open Government Forum (OGF), for the period 2018-20. Nominations close Friday 12 October 2018.

Resources

Australian Digital Council Communiqué - 05 April 2019

On 05 April 2019, Australian Digital Council met in Melbourne, where the Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers considered the range of data collaboration projects and digital transformation priorities underway nationally to improve services for the benefit of all Australians.

State of the Data and Digital Nation

The State of the Data and Digital Nation provides an overview of the main data and digital transformation initiatives taking place across our country, at both Commonwealth and State and Territory government levels.

Australian Government response to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee report: Digital delivery of government services

On 1 April 2019, the Australian Government tabled it’s response to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee report: Digital delivery of g

Terms of Reference - Australian Digital Council

The purpose of the Ministerial Council is to establish proposals for better cross-government collaboration on data and digital transformation to drive smarter service delivery and improved policy outcomes.

Data Sharing Principles

19th March 2019

This Guide has been written to assist agencies holding Australian Government data to safely and effectively share the data they are responsible for by using five Data Sharing Principles.