The COAG Australian Data and Digital Council, chaired for the first time by Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert, has agreed to establish a National Disability Data Asset, which when developed will help inform service choices by people with disabilities and their carers.
The national agreement paves the way for a federation-wide view of the lived experience of Australians with disability.
A pilot of the Asset will commence with data from the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. The Disability Reform Council, also chaired by Minister Robert, will also be engaged in this important initiative.
The Commonwealth will provide up to $15 million to fund the pilot of the National Disability Data Asset. Part of the funding will be used to work with people with disability to inform how the Asset will be used.
Minister Robert said the National Disability Data Asset will give government the insights it needs to better understand and address the challenges facing Australians with disability irrespective of their location.
“I am proud to lead the national effort to deliver better outcomes for all Australians with disability and today’s partnership is a key part of that endeavour,” he said.
“It is a clear example of the benefits of using data to provide better outcomes for those Australians that need it most.”
Alongside disability data reform, the Council also saw consensus on the ambitious national effort to drive forward improvements in government service delivery. There was agreement on a new national approach to improving government services through focusing on key ‘life events’, such as having a baby or looking for work. This outcome oriented approach will help governments deliver customer-focused solutions, removing complexity for citizens.
“In those important moments when Australians reach out for government services, like when they give birth or are looking for a job, they expect a simple and seamless interaction. It is encouraging to see national agreement to put ourselves in the shoes of our citizens when it comes to improving service delivery – I am confident this new focus on ‘life events’ will help government deliver the experience Australians expect and deserve.”
The Communiqué from the Australian Data and Digital Council meeting is available at: www.pmc.gov.au/addc.
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