DATA AND DIGITAL MINISTERS’ MEETING
COMMUNIQUÉ
13 AUGUST 2021
Ministers met today by videoconference to continue their strong collaboration on data and digital transformation.
The following Ministers attended the meeting:
- The Hon Stuart Robert MP (Commonwealth)
- The Hon Victor Dominello MP (New South Wales)
- The Hon Danny Pearson MP (Victoria)
- The Hon David Pisoni MP (South Australia)
- Mr Chris Steel MLA (Australian Capital Territory)
National Data Sharing Work Program
Ministers agreed to the first National Data Sharing Work Program following signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Data Sharing by all Australian governments at National Cabinet on 9 July 2021. Agreement to the Work Program will ensure action is taken to address national priority data sharing areas and reform of the Commonwealth and state and territory data sharing system. Data and Digital Ministers will support responsible portfolio Ministers to develop three initial priority data sharing areas:
- Natural Hazards and Emergency Management
- Waste Management
- Road Safety.
Data and Digital Ministers agreed future priority data sharing areas could include Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence; Closing the Gap, and Veterans’ Health.
On system reform, Data and Digital Ministers agreed to advance four cross-cutting initiatives:
- An Australian Data Network
- Standard operating procedures for data sharing activities
- Improving data discoverability through machine readable metadata for data sharing priorities
- Share-once use-often model for aggregate de-identified administrative data.
The Intergovernmental Agreement on Data Sharing recognises data is a shared national asset and aims to maximise the value of data to deliver outstanding policies and services for citizens. The Agreement commits all jurisdictions to share data as a default position, where it can be done securely, safely, lawfully and ethically.
Digital Birth Certificates
Ministers discussed opportunities presented by digital birth certificates and agreed to explore possibilities for future interoperability to support citizens’ engagement with governments.
New Zealand is not a party to this communiqué.
Information on the Data and Digital Ministers Meeting, including previous meeting communiqués, can be found at www.pmc.gov.au/public-data/data-and-digital-ministers-meeting.
