Information commissioners and ombudsmen from Australia and New Zealand unite to stress the critical need for public sector leaders to prioritise data governance and proactive disclosure practices. This call to action addresses the challenges posed by emerging technologies and rising cybersecurity threats. The Association of Information Access Commissioners (AIAC) held a biannual meeting on 1 November 2024 in Adelaide, leading to this announcement.
As public sector operations increasingly rely on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud storage, data science, and data analytics, strong data governance and transparency have become more crucial than ever. During this significant digital change, the collection, storage, and application of information happen on an unparalleled scale, making public confidence in government essential. AIAC members stress that the growing spread of disinformation and the declining public trust in institutions worldwide underscore the urgent need for improved data governance frameworks.
“Governments must act as stewards of the information they collect, recognising it as a public resource that serves as a key source of truth,” stated the Information Commissioner. “In an environment where trust is fragile, the public sector must embrace transparent data management practices and prioritise proactive disclosure to uphold accountability and enhance confidence in our democratic systems.”
Cutting-edge technologies—especially AI, generative AI, and data modelling—transform public administration and create new challenges to maintaining transparency and accountability. It opens up opportunities for improved decision-making, enhanced data analytics, and greater efficiency in public services. Members emphasise that leaders in the public sector must actively manage government data to meet the people’s expectations for trust, integrity, and security.
These challenges have significantly increased the importance of government Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and Chief Operating Officers (COOs). They play a crucial role in ensuring that the data management systems within their agencies meet modern governance standards. They must tackle the growing dangers associated with cybersecurity threats, particularly those impacting cloud storage, network security, and the overall cybersecurity environment in Australia.
The AIAC emphasises that CEOs and senior public sector leaders must prioritise information stewardship in their roles. Public sector leaders must prioritise robust data governance policies and practices to ensure their agencies operate with full accountability and transparency. Sharing information actively, especially about AI and various digital tools, builds public confidence and reduces the chances of data misuse or manipulation.
“We are committed to working alongside agencies to build capacity in data governance and transparency,” stated the Ombudsman. “Regulators and public sector leaders must collaborate to preserve the immense value of government-held information, ensuring that it remains an asset for public benefit and is protected against emerging cyber threats.”
The AIAC plans to launch training initiatives that enhance disclosure practices, boost data governance skills, and raise awareness about the importance of transparency in strengthening democratic institutions.
AI, cloud storage, and data science are actively transforming public sector operations, creating an urgent need for transparent, accountable, and ethical governance of government data. We must take immediate action. Public sector leaders must lead the charge in enhancing data governance and transparency, ensuring that the public sector is adequately prepared to tackle the challenges of a digital future.