DATA AND DIGITAL MINISTER’S MEETING
COMMUNIQUÉ
26 FEBRUARY 2021
Ministers met today by videoconference to continue 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 Leeanne Enoch MP (Queensland)
- The Hon Michael Ferguson MP (Tasmania)
- Mr Chris Steel MLA (Australian Capital Territory)
- The Hon Dr David Clark (New Zealand)
Senator the Hon Jane Hume, Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy attended the meeting. Minister Hume described her responsibilities on the digital economy and discussed the intersection of her work with that of Data and Digital Ministers.
The importance of data in supporting decision-makers
Ministers continue to discuss how to meet the data needs of decision-makers across jurisdictions, including through better data sharing. Improved data sharing can boost the economy and lead to better service design and delivery.
The National Disability Data Asset is advancing inter-jurisdictional data sharing and linkage to support the National Disability Strategy and enable governments to measure and drive better outcomes for people with disability. Commonwealth, NSW, SA, VIC, QLD are active partners. Ministers noted all jurisdictions are actively exploring opportunities to be involved in future phases of the Asset.
Ministers acknowledged the development of the automatic mutual recognition scheme for occupational licensing, noting the ACT is yet to sign up to the Scheme. The Scheme allows a person who is licenced or registered for an occupation in one jurisdiction to be considered registered in another jurisdiction, without the need to go through further application processes or pay additional registration fees. Ministers discussed the relevant data governance arrangements, interoperability of digital systems, and best practice approaches which may support initial implementation of the Scheme.
Data and digital improving the experience of people before and after natural disasters
Ministers continue to drive collaborative approaches to streamline how the public engages with government at critical life events, including for Australians who have experienced a natural disaster.
Ministers considered how data and digital plays an important role in providing emergency relief to people who have been affected by natural disaster, delivering essential services such as mental health support, and using digital channels to better communicate to people before, during and after a natural disaster.
Ministers continue to work closely to develop a national multi-hazards service that will provide a collaborative and coordinated response to natural disasters such as cyclones, floods and storms. Ministers were provided a demonstration of a warning service under development.
Service transformation through life events
In addition to looking at the experience of people during natural disaster, Ministers continued to drive collaboration on its other prioritised life events including birth of a child and looking for work.
National approach to digital identity
Ministers reinforced the need for a collaborative and nationally-consistent approach to digital identity. Ministers agreed to the further development of the National Digital Identity Roadmap, which provides a whole-of-nation view of digital identity initiatives to enable a coordinated and consistent approach across Australia, as well as provide opportunities for jurisdictions to leverage the work and insights of others.
New Zealand is not a party to this communique.
Information on the Data and Digital Ministers Meeting, including previous meeting communiqués, can be found on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.
