The Office of the National Data Commissioner his issued a discussion paper on proposed reforms to the rules for sharing public information.
According to the Office, the new legislative framework will help overcome barriers which prevent the efficient use of public sector data, while maintaining strong security and privacy protections.
Minister for Government Services, Stuart Robert said the new arrangements would enshrine stronger safeguards in legislation to enable the modernisation of the Government’s public data capability and set a clear, consistent and transparent approach to public data sharing.
He said the proposed reforms would establish stronger safeguards and enable the Government to use data more effectively and securely.
‘The sharing of public sector data has incredible potential at the individual level — reducing the friction and duplication of tasks that many Australians experience when accessing Government services,” Mr Robert said.
“Currently, there is a labyrinth of over 500 separate privacy and secrecy provisions, enacted over a century and hindering our ability to share data to deliver the service.”
He said the reforms would ensure Australia kept pace with international standards and best practice when it came to Government service delivery.
Interim National Data Commissioner, Deborah Anton (pictured) said reform of public sector data use would help build a better Australia.
Ms Anton said it would improve access to the information and services people needed; enable more smart and efficient services; inform decisions; and provide greater access to data for accredited researchers, scientists and innovators.
The proposed new laws are open for public submissions until 15 October.
The 61-page discussion paper can be accessed at this PS News link.
