Office of the National Data Commissioner
The Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022 establishes a new, best practice scheme for sharing Australian Government data, underpinned by strong safeguards and consistent, efficient practices.
The Office supports the National Data Commissioner who is responsible for overseeing the DATA Scheme to:
- serve the public interest by promoting better availability of public sector data
- enable the sharing of public sector data consistent with the Privacy Act 1988 and appropriate security safeguards
- enhance integrity and transparency in sharing public sector data
- build confidence in the use of public sector data, and
- establish institutional arrangements for sharing public sector data.
The Office of the National Data Commissioner sits within the Department of Finance.
The National Data Commissioner
The National Data Commissioner is the regulator of the DATA Scheme and provides advice and guidance about its operation to the Minister, Scheme participants and others. The Commissioner's other functions are to deliver education and tools to support best practice data handling and sharing.
Gayle Milnes was appointed as the inaugural National Data Commissioner in April 2022. Ms Milnes resigned as National Data Commissioner and retired from the APS on 22 August 2025. We extend our sincere thanks to Gayle for her outstanding service.
Andrew Taylor is acting National Data Commissioner until a formal appointment is made following an EOI process.