By making the most of its data, the Commonwealth could grow the digital economy and improve people’s lives by transforming how policies and services are delivered.

Data volumes are growing exponentially and so too is the potential value of this data. The Commonwealth needs to invest in new capabilities and early action to embrace the opportunities that data offers. Linking and sharing public sector data can create opportunities that neither government nor business can currently envisage.

Data is under - utilised in the APS Currently, the Commonwealth’s capacity to fully derive value from public sector data is constrained by competing priorities and the lack of an overarching strategy.

• There is no clear mandate for the Commonwealth to use and release public sector data.

• There are barriers (perceived and real) to sharing data within the Commonwealth and with jurisdictions to improve policy and service delivery.

• The APS lacks sufficient incentives, skills and organisational arrangements to capitalise on its data.

• The Commonwealth does not have a strong culture of publishing data to foster economic opportunities .

Australia’s capacity to remain competitive in the digital economy is contingent upon its ability to harness the value of data. Action is needed to meet the Government’s 2013 election commitment to increase access to useful public sector data. Building capability is critical to unlocking this value. Now is the right time to invest in data capability given the Commonwealth’s focus on innovation and STEM ( science, technology, engineering and math).