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.
Andrew Lalor commenced as Acting National Data Commissioner on 3 November 2025.
Andrew joined the Office of the National Data Commissioner from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, where he was Assistant Secretary, Health Modelling, Partnerships and Evaluation. In this role, Andrew led data modelling initiatives to cost complex health and aged care measures and assess the impact of policy changes on Australians. He led reforms to the operating and regulatory environment for health and medical research to position Australia as a leading destination for research. Andrew also led portfolio evaluation activities, and provided analytic and research support services on demand.
Previously, Andrew worked at the Departments of PM&C and Finance, leading government data policy, strategy and governance, including cross-jurisdictional data and digital ministerial engagement; and assurance of the Australian Government’s high-cost and high-risk projects. Andrew has also held senior roles relating to skills policy and programs, aviation security, broadband infrastructure and innovation policy.