Australian Public Service agencies now have a single Framework for working with Indigenous data.
The National Indigenous Australians Agency will collaborate across the Australian Public Service to implement the Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data in 2024.
Commonwealth agencies are expected to develop a seven-year implementation plan, guided by four principles:
- Partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Build data-related capabilities
- Provide knowledge of data assets
- Build an inclusive data system
The Framework represents the culmination of over 18 months of co-design effort between the Australian Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners. While we know we have some way to go, the Framework serves as a significant step forward to improve the collection, use and disclosure of data, to better serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities.
The Framework places Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at its core. Recognising the importance of authentic engagement, it emphasises the need for First Nations communities to have a say in decisions affecting them, including the use of data in government policy-making.
Acknowledging data's significance in self-determination, the Framework provides a stepping stone towards greater awareness and acceptance by Australian Government agencies of the principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty.
It offers practical guidance on implementing key aspects of data governance aligned with both Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles and the objectives of the Australian Government.
It also supports commitments outlined in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, particularly transforming government organisations (Priority Reform Three) and shared access to data at a regional level (Priority Reform Four).
For more information about implementing the Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data, please email the Governance of Indigenous Data mailbox at: gid@niaa.gov.au.