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Public Data

Public data is information collected or generated by the Australian Government. It includes data on social security payments, taxation, demographics and spatial (or geographic) information.

Public data is a valuable resource. It has the potential to boost Australia’s economy. It can also stimulate innovation and improve the delivery of services. The use of public data will ensure that our country stays competitive in the global digital economy.

The amount of data that is produced and held by the Government is growing.

The Public Data Branch of PM&C aims to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of using public data, while maintaining a strong commitment to the privacy and security of information.

Our work helps to improve the way data is managed, shared and published for the benefit of everyone in Australia.

Our work is about making sure public data can be used to help develop and implement government policies and programs that benefit all Australians. We also work to find ways for public data to support private sector innovation and productivity.

Current Initiatives

Data Availability and Use Taskforce

Data Availability and Use Taskforce

The Australian Government has established a cross-portfolio taskforce in response to the Productivity Commission’s public Inquiry into Data Availability and Use.

Data Fellowship

Data Fellowship

The Data Fellowship is an exclusive, competitive program to provide advanced data training to high performing Australian Public Service (APS) data specialists.

Data Initiatives

Data initiatives

We are responsible for a number of public data initiatives including data.gov.au, DataStart, and the Open Government Partnership.

Geocoded National Address Data

Geocoded National Address Data

Access to spatial data is becoming increasingly important given the rapid take-up and use of mobile devices in Australia.

Open Data

If data is described as ‘open’, it means anyone can access, use or share it. All Australian Government agencies are encouraged to make their data available (using an appropriate open license) on the data.gov.au website.

Public Data Policy

Public Data Policy

On 7 December 2015, the Australian Government released its Public Data Policy Statement as part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda. The Policy Statement commits Commonwealth Government entities to:

Public Sector Data Management Project

Public Sector Data Management Project

In early 2015, we led a study about how public sector data helps the government with better service delivery and efficiencies. The study also looked at how the private sector can use data to stimulate economic activity.

Unlocking Our High-Value Data

Data Consultations

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is holding a series of consultations with the community. Sessions will be held with the research, not-for-profit and private sectors to help identify and release the data they want.

Latest News

Applications now open for the Data Fellowship program - 2017

Data Fellowship

Thursday, June 22, 2017

The Data Fellowship program is a competitive program designed to provide advanced data training to high-performing APS data specialists. Up to ten candidates each year will be selected to undertake three month research or engineering placements in Data61 or their partner organisations.

PM&C to assist with development of new APS Privacy Code

Thursday, May 18, 2017

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) has agreed to support the Australian Information and Privacy Commissioner in developing a new Privacy Code for the Australian Public Service (APS).

Two people, a woman and a man, looking at undetermined figures on two computer screens.

Productivity Commission report promotes benefits of improved data availability

Data Availability and Use Taskforce

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

The Australian Government has tabled the Productivity Commission’s final report into Data Availability and Use. The Productivity Commission’s report proposes significant reforms aimed at capturing the benefits of improving the way Australians use and share data.

Resources

Australia's first Open Government National Action Plan 2016-18 - Draft for consultation

31st October 2016

The Australian Government has released a draft of Australia’s first ever Open Government National Action Plan for public consultation. This is the final round of consultation in a year‑long process to develop the National Action Plan.

Australia's first Open Government National Action Plan 2016-18 Fact sheet

31st October 2016

Data skills and capability in the Australian Public Service

16th August 2016

Data literacy across the APS will 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.

Public Sector Data Management: Implementation report

On 3 December 2015, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) released the Public Sector Data Management Report. Since then, significant progress has been made to implement the recommendations of the report.

Guidance on Data Sharing for Australian Government Entities

29th April 2016

The attached document provides guidance to Commonwealth agencies for streamlining data sharing processes within government, with a view to enabling efficient and informed policy outcomes.