Data sharing has become a crucial aspect of government operations in recent years. The Australian government has recognised the need for data sharing and has mandated that government organisations share data to improve service delivery and outcomes for citizens. However, with data breaches affecting millions of Australians, there is a pressing need to reconcile the desire for data sharing with the need for data security. 

According to iTnews, more than 5 million Australians have been impacted by data breaches, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring that data is shared safely and securely. To achieve this, government organisations need to prioritise improved data documentation and metadata. 

“Our research across government shows that many people still think ‘data sharing’ means giving people access to sensitive assets. There is a clear need for a cultural shift to help people understand that data sharing is about signposts not welcome mats – how can we tell people what’s available, without opening the data vault”, says Sam Spencer, CEO of Aristotle Metadata 

The NSW Government has taken a significant step in achieving this through its Data Passport initiative, which makes access to integrated data easier, faster, and safer. Powered by Aristotle Metadata, the Data Passport leverages published metadata to describe data assets within the Aristotle Metadata Registry without sharing them, giving researchers a better understanding of data before requesting it. 

Metadata provides contextual information about data, such as its source, format, and content. By using metadata to describe data assets, the Data Passport makes it easier for researchers to identify and access relevant data, without compromising on security. Metadata also makes it easier for government organisations to manage data assets, improving data governance and compliance. 

The Data Passport’s click-and-collect data marketplace, powered by Tablion Data Portal, further streamlines the process of accessing integrated data. Researchers can quickly identify and request relevant data, and government organisations can grant access without compromising data security. 

“Our experience shows that metadata is critical to achieving data sharing success. Metadata is how we document data assets and lowers the risk of disclosure by ensuring data custodians know what data they hold and streamlines data requests by helping users request and interpret data quicker”, says Sam Spencer. 

In conclusion, data sharing is essential for improving government service delivery and outcomes for citizens. However, ensuring data security is equally important. The NSW Government’s Data Passport initiative is an excellent example of how government organisations can reconcile the desire for data sharing with the need for data security through improved data documentation and metadata. By leveraging metadata, the Data Passport makes accessing integrated data easier, faster, and safer, benefiting both researchers and government organisations. 

To learn more, contact Aristotle Metadata. 

Kali Gatehouse

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Kali is an experienced and motivated marketing and communications professional. Over the course of her eight-year tenure in the media and marketing industry, Kali has garnered a diverse skill set by working across various sectors, including but not limited to hospitality, tourism, construction, cyber and tech.

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