Australia is looking to create a new national data commissioner role that will be responsible for applying the data reforms presented in the Data Availability and Transparency (DAT) Bill 2020.
The DAT Bill, which is still awaiting passage, seeks to create a scheme of controlled access to public sector data. Under the legislation, data would only be shared for three purposes: Government services delivery, informing government policy and programs, and research and development.
As part of making this new role official, Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills and Family Business Stuart Robert announced that Gayle Milnes would become Australia’s first national data commissioner designate once the DAT Bill passes.
The Governor-General will be asked to consider this appointment as a statutory office holder after the Bill’s passage.