A scheme for sharing Australian Government data
The Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022 established the DATA Scheme (the Scheme) to support sharing of Australian Government data. The Scheme aims to increase the availability and use of Australian Government data to help deliver better government services, policies and programs and support world-leading research. The Scheme is supported by tools such as Dataplace and the Australian Government Data Catalogue to safely increase the availability and use of Australian Government data and to raise public sector data capability.
Why use the DATA Scheme?
Sharing Australian Government data allows governments and researchers to improve the delivery of government services, design more effective policy and programs and conduct research and development in the public interest. Data must be shared in a safe and responsible way, particularly where it relates to individuals.
The DATA Scheme works with existing Australian laws – including the Privacy Act 1988 – to authorise the safe sharing of Australian Government data, including data that could not previously be shared.
What data can be shared under the DATA Scheme?
The DATA Scheme authorises the sharing of Australian Government data with DATA Scheme participants.
What is Australian Government data?
Australian Government data encompasses all data lawfully collected, created or held by a Commonwealth body, or on its behalf. Data can include a wide range of topics such as Australians’ welfare, the environment and the economy.
For national security and other reasons, some Australian Government entities are excluded from the Scheme and some types of data cannot be shared. Excluded entities include intelligence and law enforcement entities such as the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation. Some data held by Home Affairs and AUSTRAC cannot be shared.
About us
The National Data Commissioner
The National Data Commissioner regulates the DATA Scheme, providing advice, guidance, education and support for best practice data handling and sharing.
The National Data Advisory Council
The National Data Advisory Council advises the Commissioner on data sharing, ethics, privacy, transparency, best practices, and industry and international developments.
