Over the past 30 years, we have observed remarkable changes in the way local governments manage and use data.

Paper-based systems, at their best, relied on knowledgeable, specialist staff who spent their days manually sorting, filing, and cross-referencing documents. This resource-intensive system, run by arguably some of an organisation’s most valuable staff at the time, was in some ways easier to manage because file and naming conventions were not subject to the whims of individual logic.

From the advent of electronic forms to the rise of digital platforms, cloud computing, smart devices, and now artificial intelligence, the amount of data that can be gathered to inform policy and strategy has increased exponentially while the management of it has dispersed across organisations.

Enabling direct user access to an organisation’s records has raised new challenges because, no matter how much training is provided, we all know that you and I think differently, and one of us might dutifully store data in the records management system, while one of us might just keep everything in our email.

Data is a strategic asset

At the same time, data is no longer just a resource; it has become a strategic asset that shapes how councils plan, operate, and govern communities.

With the integration of cloud computing, machine learning, and big data analytics, the ability to use data to derive deep and rich insights into communities and inform highly effective policy, strategy, and service delivery is foreseeably only a few clicks away.

While the ability to manipulate data to understand the drivers of behavior and local needs is a powerful tool, equally effective governance is essential to avoid perverse outcomes, such as the ability to manipulate data to the extent that it serves individual bias rather than objective decision-making.

In today’s digital, hackable age, strong governance frameworks are also essential to protect sensitive information, promote transparency, and maintain public faith in the data lifecycle from collection to disposal.

Strong data governance improves trust and transparency

Strong and transparent data governance builds public trust. Local governments must ensure responsible management of citizens’ personal information as their awareness of data usage grows. So what does effective data governance look like?

A well-structured governance framework has:

• clear guidelines for data collection, storage, and sharing, ensuring alignment with privacy regulations.
• regular audit and tracking of data usage, ensuring it is used only for the intended purposes.

Conclusion

As technology continues to evolve, councils must adopt strong governance frameworks that safeguard sensitive information while still enabling agile use to generate the insights that improve decision-making and enhance service delivery.

By embracing the creative use of data within strong governance parameters, local governments will position themselves to meet the growing demands of the digital age and continue to deliver positive outcomes for their citizens.

Vanessa Adams

General Manager at Circular Head Council | Website | + posts

Vanessa is an emotionally intelligent leader, known for strategic vision and for creating highly engaged workplace cultures. Her career is rich and deep in public sector experience and insight, commencing with the UK’s Diplomatic Service and expanding to state and local government in the UK and Australia. Vanessa is currently leading a rural council in NW Tasmania, using her skills and experience to foster growth in the community and among colleagues.

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Sallie Moore-Wood

Director of Governance and Information Systems at Waratah-Wynyard Council | Website | + posts

With nearly three decades of experience across local, state, and federal government, Sallie specialises in strategic leadership, business process improvement, ICT project management, and information governance. Her expertise includes aligning ICT initiatives with organisational goals, fostering innovation, and driving operational efficiencies. Her leadership focuses on building high-performing teams, enhancing cybersecurity, and integrating emerging technologies. Sallie, a values-driven leader, is committed to enhancing data security, upholding governance standards, and leveraging ICT effectively for organisational success.

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