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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.

Data Integration Partnership for Australia

Data Integration Partnership for Australia

The Data Integration Partnership for Australia (DIPA) is an investment to maximise the use and value of the Government’s data assets. Through data integration and analysis, the DIPA creates new insights into important and complex policy questions.

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

Image of Peter Norvig

How data can deliver significant benefits for all Australians

Monday, September 18, 2017

Dr Peter Norvig, Director of Research at Google Inc, shares with Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor MP, how Google maximises the use of data to deliver innovative products and services to its customers.

A man wearing glasses looking into a digital interface of charts and numbers.

Data functions transfer to the DTA

Thursday, September 14, 2017

The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) will take on management of some of the Australian Government’s key data-related initiatives: the data.gov.au and NationalMap platforms and the APS Data Skills and Capability Framework.

Aerial photograph with G-NAF point data overlaid

Open access to G-NAF increases efficiencies and productivity

Geocoded National Address Data

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Since opening up access to G-NAF in February 2016, downloads for the data have increased to 3,600 times, compared to only 180 times over the 18 months prior.

Resources

Information about the Data Integration Partnership for Australia

30th August 2017

An overview of the Data Integration Partnership for Australia.

Data Integration Case Studies

29th August 2017

Case studies that demonstrate the uses and value of data integration.

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.