The Australian Data and Digital Council Meetings 2022

The ADDC, a collaborative council of ministerial representatives from Australian states and territories and NZ, held three meetings in 2022. Topics discussed include national identity systems, digital vaccination certificates, ICT procurement and data sharing initiatives. The ADDC is committed to promoting digital inclusion and driving positive changes in Australia’s digital landscape.

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Date:
18 December 2022
Author:
Salsa Digital

Who is the ADDC?

The Australian Data and Digital Council (ADDC) is a collaborative council from the Department of Prime Minister and CabinetExternal Link . It’s made up of ministerial representatives from all Australian states and territories, and New Zealand.

Who are the members?

The ADDC includes representatives from each state and territory, and the Chair represents the Federal Government. In 2022, there were three meetings.

The first meeting held in February 2022 via videoconference was attended by:

  • The Hon Stuart Robert MP (Commonwealth)
  • The Hon Victor Dominello MP (NSW)
  • The Hon Danny Pearson MP (VIC)
  • The Hon Leeanne Enoch MP (QLD)
  • The Hon Stephen Dawson MLC (WA)
  • The Hon David Pisoni MP (SA)
  • The Hon Michael Ferguson MP (TAS)
  • Mr Chris Steel MLA (ACT)
  • The Hon Dr David Clark (NZ)

The second meeting in March 2022, held via videoconference, was attended by:

  • The Hon Stuart Robert MP (Commonwealth)
  • The Hon Victor Dominello MP (NSW)
  • The Hon Danny Pearson MP (VIC)
  • The Hon Leeanne Enoch MP (QLD)
  • The Hon Stephen Dawson MLC (WA)
  • Mr Chris Steel MLA (ACT)
  • The Hon Paul Kirby MLA (NT)

The third meeting in November 2022, held in Canberra, was attended by:

  • The Hon Katy Gallagher (Commonwealth)
  • The Hon Victor Dominello MP (NSW)
  • The Hon Leeanne Enoch MP (QLD)
  • The Hon Madeleine Ogilvi MP (TAS)
  • Mr Chris Steel MLA (ACT)
  • The Hon Ngaree Ah Kit MLA (NT)

The Hon Bill Shorten MP and the Hon Clare O’Neil MP also attended the third meeting. Ministers noted the Victorian Government is in a caretaker period.

What’s the ADDC’s role?

The purpose of the ADDC is to facilitate and drive smarter service delivery and improved policy outcomes through cross-government collaboration on data and digital transformation.

The Council works to align policies and services across Australia, focusing on:

  • Reforming cross-jurisdictional data and digital platforms, services and protocols

  • Building public trust and delivering a seamless digital identity experience for citizens

  • Transforming government services around life events

The ADDC operates the critical role of data and technology in the governance and development of Australia’s digital landscape.

The ADDC’s first meeting

The first meeting for 2022 took place on 4 February 2022 via videoconference. The following main areas were discussed:

  1. Digital identity – Ministers agreed to develop a world-first national trusted identity system, allowing citizens to quickly and easily verify their identity when accessing online government services.

  2. COVID-19 digital vaccination certificates and booster shots – Ministers welcomed the integration of COVID-19 digital vaccination certificates into check-in apps nationwide. Over 11 million Australians have connected their certificates to the apps. They also discussed updates to the Australian Immunisation RegisterExternal Link released this month, which displays booster doses and allows booster notifications.

  3. ICT procurement alignment – Ministers agreed that increased collaboration in ICT procurement between jurisdictions will provide significant benefits to the governments and citizens, including cost savings and improved service delivery.

  4. COVID-19 technical responses – Ministers discussed progress on building a national picture of technical responses to COVID-19, gathering valuable insights for future national crises.

  5. 2022 work plan – Ministers agreed on three strategic priorities for their 2022 work plan:

    1. Delivering a seamless digital identity and verifiable credential experience for citizens

    2. Improving cross-jurisdictional data and digital platforms, services and protocols

    3. Transforming services around life events

For more information, you may like to read the full PMC communication for the 4 February 2022 meeting.External Link

The ADDC’s second meeting

The second ADDC meeting in 2022 was via videoconference on 25 March 2022. The following three items were discussed:

  1. National Digital Identity Ecosystem – Ministers agreed to explore implementing a national digital identity ecosystem. This would benefit all Australians and support Australia's vision to become a leading digital economy and society. Ministers noted the importance of interoperability and mutual recognition of digital credentials.

  2. National Data Sharing Work Program review – Ministers discussed the six-monthly review of the first National Data Sharing Work ProgramExternal Link . They agreed on a number of actions for improved design and delivery of the next National Data Sharing Work Program.

  3. Emergency Management and Natural Hazards – Ministers discussed developing consistent data collection and reporting of rebuilding homes after a natural disaster.

For more information, you may like to read the full PMC communication for 25 March 2022 meeting.External Link

The ADDC’s third meeting

The third ADDC meeting was held in Canberra on 4 November 2022. The following areas were discussed:

  1. Identity resilience – Ministers agreed to collaborate on developing a National Strategy for Identity Resilience, to be finalised by early 2023. The Strategy aims to protect Australians from identity-related theft. More resilient identities will reduce the likelihood of compromised identities, improve response from businesses and government, and support affected individuals.

  2. Digital identity – Ministers agreed to continue developing digital identity systems, providing Australians with an easy and secure way to prove their identities when accessing government services online.

  3. National Data Sharing Work Program – Ministers agreed to the second National Data Sharing Work Program to improve data sharing areas and reform the Commonwealth, state and territory data sharing system.

  4. Ministers agreed to advance two initiatives on system reform:

    1. Develop a Multilateral Data Sharing Agreement to streamline data sharing between governments for the National Disability Data Asset.

    2. Develop a National Data Catalogue of public data assets to support inter-jurisdictional data sharing, access and use. The Catalogue will help governments make informed decisions quickly, particularly during health or emergency situations.

  5. Ministers also agreed to advance data sharing to support the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32.External Link

  6. Digital inclusion – remains a standing item on the agenda.

For more information, you may like to read the full PMC communication for the 4 November 2022 meeting.External Link

Salsa Digital’s take

The three meetings held by the ADDC in 2022 showcased significant progress and commitment to digital transformation and improving access to online government services. Ministers demonstrated a collective effort to enhance digital services, protect Australian identities, and promote data sharing across all jurisdictions.

Additionally, Ministers discussed reporting processes and developing standardised data collection after natural disasters, aiming for consistency in emergency management situations.

Overall, these meetings show that the ADDC is committed to advancing Australia’s digital landscape to benefit Australian citizens and support the nation’s vision of becoming a leading digital economy and society.