An Interim Commissioner has been appointed to the Office of the National Data Commission to start work on safeguarding the integrity, management and use of Government-held information.
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Digital Transformation, Michael Keenan announced that Deborah Anton (pictured), from IP Australia, will fill the position, which lies within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Mr Keenan said the Interim Commissioner would work closely with the Privacy Commissioner to help strengthen safeguards around the use of Government-held data.
He said plans were afoot for a new Data Sharing and Release Act to simplify the complex web of more than 500 privacy and secrecy provisions that currently exist across Government Departments.
“The Interim Commissioner will develop a new framework to improve access to non-sensitive data to help drive growth and innovation within the Australian economy,” Mr Keenan said.
“The Bureau for Communications Research estimates greater access to non-sensitive data could generate up to $25 billion per year in increased productivity for Australia.”
He said Ms Anton had wide-ranging experience in legislation, regulation, policy and program delivery, developed during a career spanning more than 20 years in the Australian Public Service.
“Ms Anton assisted in establishing the Government’s Computer Emergency Response Team, which is the primary point of contact for Australian businesses to prevent and respond to malicious activity,” Mr Keenan said
“She will make a valuable contribution in shaping the future of the Australian data system.”
