Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data (GID): a stepping stone to Indigenous Data Sovereignty

The Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data (GID) is a lighthouse example of how governments can partner with non-Australian Public Service (APS) stakeholders on data. The Framework’s co-design process yielded lessons on how data systems can be made more inclusive and equitable into the future. The Framework won the ‘Diversity and Inclusion in Data’ award at the 2024 APS Data Awards.

Published during Reconciliation Week in May 2024, the GID seeks to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with greater control over government-held Indigenous data —across the entire data lifecycle.

Jim O’Shea (pictured), a proud Gumbaynggirr man who co-chairs the Department of Health and Aged Care’s GID Working Group, commended the enthusiasm and sincerity of the department staff involved in the establishment of the GID Working Group. He recognises the importance of data for self-determination.

"The wealth of Aboriginal expertise, experience, and knowledge that we have at the table is exceptional. Collectively, we are striving to achieve better, cleaner data that will significantly benefit and support our ability to reflect on and improve the systems we currently report into and under. The development of a Framework Implementation Plan is a great step towards much-needed and better governance of Indigenous data, which will lead to better reporting in the future” - Mr O’Shea said.

The Framework is already impacting on how Indigenous data are governed across the APS. Since its publication, the Framework has been downloaded over 3,300 times, by over 2,600 unique users. Multiple agencies have begun establishing internal GID Working Groups, collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners on implementation.

The Co-design Lessons Learned report produced alongside the Framework provides practical guidance for respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on data.

Read the Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data (GID) | NIAA and the Co-Design Lessons Learned Report.

Photo: Jim O’Shea