The Albanese Government is taking a big step forward in improving programs and services for people with disabilities by launching the National Disability Data Asset Council. This council brings together various experts and representatives to ensure that data about people with disabilities is collected ethically and used to make improvements.
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, highlighted the importance of this initiative in creating a more inclusive Australia. With one in six Australians living with disabilities, having accurate and consistent national data is crucial to understand their needs and provide better support.
The Albanese Labor Government has committed $68.3 million to analyse and research this data. All states and territories are also on board, allowing the smooth transfer of information.
The Council includes members from the disability community and data experts, ensuring diverse perspectives. Key figures within the disability community and data expertise have been appointed to the Council, including individuals such as Ms. Catherine McAlpine, Dr. Scott Avery, Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM, Giancarlo de Vera, Ms. Rosemary Kayess, and Dr. Julian Trollor.
To ensure broad representation and diverse perspectives, the Council will establish three panels focusing on priority areas such as ethical data usage, future enhancements, and human rights/ethics. Members of the public are encouraged to express their interest in joining these panels, thereby enriching the discourse with their valuable insights.
Minister Shorten emphasised how this initiative aligns with recommendations to improve disability data quality and sharing. By integrating NDIS data with other datasets, richer insights can be gained into how support systems interact and where improvements are needed.
Partnering with key institutions, the Australian Government is leading the technical aspects of this initiative. The National Disability Data Asset is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, promising evidence-based decision-making in disability support.
Expressions of interest to join public panels are open until February 29, 2024. Visit the National Disability Data Asset website for more information.
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