New technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud storage, and data science, are gaining traction in the Australian public sector. In this evolving landscape, strong data governance and proactive disclosure practices hold critical significance. Public sector leaders should prioritise these practices to enhance transparency, accountability, and build public trust. 

At the gathering of the Association of Information Access Commissioners (AIAC) in Adelaide last 1 November 2024, prominent members discussed the growing challenges that emerging technologies pose to government transparency. The gathering highlighted the crucial role of data governance as authorities increasingly rely on digital solutions to manage information and drive decision-making activities. 

Elizabeth Tydd, Australian Information Commissioner, stated, “In an era where trust in government is waning, the management of public sector information becomes paramount.” It is crucial to ensure the reliability of information as a public resource to uphold democratic values, particularly in an era where disinformation poses significant challenges.

Managing government-held data ensures its accuracy, security, and responsible use. The document outlines policies that ensure data quality, establishes security protocols, and defines the responsibilities needed to uphold data integrity across government departments. This procedure plays a vital role in a digital landscape that increasingly faces data breaches and misinformation, which can undermine public trust.

Proactive disclosure serves as a key component of strong data governance, highlighting the need to share government-held information with the public promptly and transparently. Enhancing data accessibility empowers government agencies to boost public awareness and engagement while strengthening their accountability. Rachel McCallum, Information Commissioner of New South Wales and a member of AIAC, states, “Proactive disclosure practices focus on openness and equip citizens with the information necessary to make informed decisions.” This tool plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust.

Data governance and proactive disclosure practices enhance transparency, especially as Australia’s public sector tackles the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies like generative AI, cloud storage, and data analytics. When managed effectively, these technologies enhance operational efficiency, elevate service delivery, and provide deeper insights into public policy and decision-making processes. Without strong data governance frameworks, these technologies pose significant risks to cybersecurity and data privacy.

Toni Pirani, the Australian Freedom of Information Commissioner, stated, “As we integrate Artificial Intelligence and Data Science into our public sector operations, the need for secure, well-governed data becomes even more critical. Public sector agencies must adopt robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information from cyber threats, ensuring the integrity of both data and the systems that support it.”

AIAC members pledge to collaborate with government agencies to develop comprehensive training programmes that enhance data governance and promote proactive disclosure practices. These initiatives enhance the public sector’s capabilities in managing the complexities of modern digital technologies and promote a culture of transparency and accountability.

“Cybersecurity and data protection must be at the forefront as we adopt new technologies, like AI and cloud storage,” emphasised David Fintan, Senior Assistant Ombudsman for the Australian Capital Territory. “Effective data governance enables not only greater transparency but also strengthens our resilience against cyber threats.”

The AIAC actively advances the capabilities of the Australian public sector by pursuing new opportunities to facilitate the secure integration of emerging technologies. The initiative creates research centres that promote the application of AI and ensure its ethical incorporation into government services, as demonstrated by the innovative research centre recently launched in South Australia.

Australia leads in embracing cutting-edge technologies, ensuring secure and transparent management of public data to uphold trust and confidence in governmental institutions. Public sector leaders should prioritise these practices to build a future that embraces technological advances while ensuring transparency, security, and accountability.

Editors Publicspectrum

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