The NSW government will establish a whole-of-government data analytics centre (DAC) to share data about issues in the state.
“Data is one of the greatest assets held by government, but when it’s buried away in bureaucracy, it is of little value,” said NSW Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello.
“Whether it’s tackling crime, combatting obesity or addressing housing affordability, we cannot hope to develop solutions to the long-term challenges that our state faces without an effective whole-of-government data sharing platform.”
Dominello said that data analytics has been used successfully in New Zealand, New York City and the State of Michigan to improve the lives of citizens through better targeted and more coordinated government service delivery.
A government steering committee will determine when and where the DAC is established.
The committee includes NSW Privacy Commissioner Dr Elizabeth Coombs, NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Mary O’Kane, NSW Customer Service Commissioner Mike Pratt and NSW Information Commissioner Liz Tydd.
The DAC will source expertise from research and industry, as well as from NSW government agencies.
Australian Information Industry Association chair Kee Wong welcomed the announcement of the centre.
“As we mature into a knowledge based economy, the role of data and the ability to link data from multiple sources, supported by appropriate privacy and security, will drive more effective and innovative government as well as contribute to the competitiveness of the NSW economy,” he said.
The federal government's Digital Transformation Office has been examining ways to draw together data from across Commonwealth agencies to better assess potential to improve service delivery.
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