The Cook Government in Western Australia is inviting expressions of interest for the inaugural Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing (PRIS) Advisory Committee. This initiative aligns with the upcoming implementation of the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024, set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation, which is the first of its kind in Australia, aims to safeguard personal information while facilitating responsible sharing of government data.
The new act establishes the role of a Chief Data Officer, who will collaborate closely with the Information Commissioner. Together, they will enhance public sector capabilities related to secure data sharing, adhering to international best practices. The PRIS Advisory Committee will support the Chief Data Officer in navigating the balance between protecting privacy and ensuring the effective use of government data.
Committee Goals and Community Involvement
The primary objective of the PRIS Advisory Committee is to ensure that data helps improve decision-making, enhances public services, and fosters innovation for the public good, all while maintaining rigorous privacy standards. The Cook Government encourages leaders from diverse backgrounds to apply for committee positions. This outreach includes individuals from various communities, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those who are culturally and linguistically diverse, and individuals with disabilities, as well as those representing diverse sexualities and genders.
Minister for Science and Innovation, Stephen Dawson, highlighted the importance of the committee: “The PRIS Advisory Committee will play a crucial role in helping shape the future of responsible information sharing in Western Australia. We are calling on leaders from across our community to bring their expertise and perspectives to the table, ensuring our approach to data sharing is inclusive, secure, and forward-thinking.”
The establishment of the PRIS Advisory Committee represents a significant step toward creating a framework for data sharing that prioritizes privacy while advancing the use of information for public benefit.
For more details and to submit an application, interested individuals can visit the official government website at wa.gov.au.
