National Data Commissioner Update - June 2023

An update from the Acting National Data Commissioner

The good news is we have added the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Department of Health of WA as accredited users under the DATA Scheme! You can check out the full Register of Accredited Entities on the ONDC website. 

Have you started your data journey? 

These three entities join the Department of Treasury who can make a request for data collected by Australian Government agencies under the Scheme. We are continuing to see strong interest in getting accredited to participate—see our pipeline below. If you haven’t begun your accreditation process, get started today! 

DATA Scheme Data Sharing Agreements now live 

We’ve made great progress in adding additional capabilities to Dataplace, the ONDC’s digital platform for requesting Australian Government data. 

Dataplace users can now commence a data sharing agreement under the DATA scheme. Data Users and Custodians can enter into a collaborative process to progress an agreement, including the ability to auto-generate, review and amend the agreement. Authorised Officers will then be able to physically sign and upload the final agreement in Dataplace. This is the first step to full end-to-end automation. You can see additional capabilities we have added and what we are planning to add to Dataplace this year, in the timeline below.  

Our next Dataplace Community of Practice meeting is on Thursday 13 July 2023. We will discuss the new features as mentioned above and explore the reporting function that is now available. If you would like to get involved please register via Eventbrite. 

Annual report guidance for Scheme participants 

All data custodians must report certain information to the National Data Commissioner by 31 July. Your reporting assists with the preparation of the annual report about ONDC’s activities for the financial year, which goes to the Minister for presentation to the Parliament. The ONDC will be sending out of letters asking data custodians to verify our records and meet these obligations. 

Looking to find out how to get the most out of the DATA Scheme and meet your responsibilities? 

To assist Scheme participants, we have begun holding information sessions on a single day each month. Join us on Tuesday 18 July for a webinar that suits your organisation – check the upcoming schedule on the ONDC website. 

Good reads and viewing for the data community 

• Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher previously released the Data and Digital Government Strategy outlining the Australian Government’s vision to deliver simple, secure and connected public services. Take a look at the Strategy and provide your feedback here before 25 July 2023.   
• Earlier this year Australia’s Chief Scientist released the Rapid Response Information Report: Generative AI which identifies risk management strategies throughout the generative AI model development lifecycle. Page five of the report details activities that can be applied in any workplace to help take advantage of AI opportunities and manage risks.    
• The Department of Industry, Science and Resources released the Safe and responsible AI in Australia discussion paper, which builds on the recent Rapid Research Report on Generative AI delivered by the government’s National Science and Technology Council. Feedback on this paper is welcome and submissions can be made here by 26 July 2023. 
• Data and Digital Ministers met on Friday 23 June to discuss topics such as modernising Australia’s ID system, cybersecurity, women’s safety, digital inclusion and artificial intelligence. For more information on the meeting outcomes, refer to the Communique. 

Andrew Taylor, Acting National Data Commissioner