Page 153 - Invited Paper Session (IPS) - Volume 2

IPS193 Michael Beahan
In 2018 the Australian Government established the Office of the National
Data Commissioner. The Office of the National Data Commissioner will be
responsible for implementing a simpler data sharing and release framework.
The new framework will break down the barriers which prevent efficient use
and reuse of public data, while maintaining the strong security and privacy
protections that the community expects. A central pillar of this new framework
will be new Data Sharing and Release Legislation
Community attitudes and expectations are central to the ongoing success
of data integration projects and, in general, communities are more accepting
of such projects on the back of two key elements; maintenance of individual
privacy and demonstrated benefits.
The success of projects such as MADIP has placed a significant demand
on the ABS in terms of the availability of data. As the numbers of researchers,
projects and datasets grows exponentially the ABS has been considering cloud
based technology as the best means of supplying scalable IT solutions.
The growth of Data Integration projects within government has also
highlighted the growing need for data analytic skills both within ABS and
across government. Data skills and capability are as critically important for the
Australian Public Service (APS) as anywhere else. Data literacy across the
government have a critical role in supporting evidence-based decision
making, developing more efficient government policy and delivering services
that meet the needs of people across Australia. Skills and knowledge in
publishing, linking and sharing public data will help to make government
services more citizen-focused.
Data remains the essential ingredient. However, the 21st century is
emerging as a very dynamic environment for statistical agencies well away
from our traditional partnerships, tools, methods and processes.

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