This case study documents the process of designing and proposing the establishment of a co-governance arrangement for the National Disability Data Asset (NDDA). The NDDA is a way to connect information about all Australians to improve outcomes for people with disability. It will bring together de-identified data held by government agencies and provide insights about the needs and outcomes of people with disability that could not be seen previously. This information will help improve programs and services for people with disability.  

Co-governance refers to collective decision-making, formal arrangements, deliberative and constructive processes involving government and other stakeholders, including community members. Documenting the detailed steps taken to establish this arrangement, the case study highlights parallels with broader co-governance practices, offering valuable lessons and insights for future applications.

This case study is one of three case studies that form a larger project to identify methods to operationalise and implement co-governance arrangements. It is for public sector leaders and policymakers, especially those working in areas like co-governance, devolution of decision-making, community engagement and place-based initiatives.