What is the future of data security in Australia?
The University’s Sydney Policy Lab hosted a roundtable in September with Dr Phillip Gould, Assistant Secretary, Office of the National Data Commissioner, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and his adviser Ms Zoe Winston-Gregson.
The discussion focused on key policy issues relating to the design of the Government’s Data Sharing and Release Bill – a new legislative framework to improve the sharing and use of data held by all Commonwealth entities.
Strong research partnerships between policy-makers and academics are essential for innovative and effective social and economic policy.
The development of the framework and the consultation is being led by the Office of the National Data Commissioner.
“Strong research partnerships between policy-makers and academics are essential for innovative and effective social and economic policy,” said Professor Deborah Cobb-Clark from the School of Economics and member of the Charles Perkins Centre of the collaboration.
Professor Duncan Ivison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), added, “We were delighted to welcome our colleagues from Prime Minister and Cabinet to a roundtable hosted by the Sydney Policy Lab to discuss this important issue.
“We are keen to work with the Commonwealth to develop an innovative, secure and world-leading framework for data-sharing and integration.
“It’s vital for our researchers, but even more so, for delivering great outcomes for Australia,” he said.
We are suffused with data, but the real challenge is what we can do with it, how we can learn from it and – especially – how it can inform effective policy-making.
The Sydney Policy Lab uses a collaborative approach to research and training to build new partnerships between researchers at the University of Sydney and politicians, public servants, policy advocates, business leaders, campaigners and members of the community.
“We were delighted to welcome our colleagues from Prime Minister and Cabinet to a roundtable hosted by the Sydney Policy Lab to discuss this important issue,” said Professor Duncan Ivison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
The Department’s discussion with the University of Sydney and other research organisations will continue as the Government develops draft legislation to deliver a simpler, clearer, and more consistent and efficient framework to govern all data held by Commonwealth entities.