Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led data project underway

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The $1.5 million Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led data project announced in January has commenced with the Coalition of Peaks and the Indigenous Data Network at the University of Melbourne working to improve access to data and information to help communities and Government make better decisions for the future.

The data project is one of the ways the Morrison Government is delivering on its ongoing commitment to change the way that it works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said making richer and more localised data available will support shared regional and community decision making between all Australian governments and Indigenous communities.

“This data project is one of the foundational elements under Priority Reform 4 of the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which seeks to ensure all parties have access to the same information, and that the information is relevant and reflects community priorities,” Minister Wyatt said.

“The project will assist in the development of regional profiles that will inform Closing the Gap targets as well as identify other community priorities.

“With the right data available to all parties working in partnership, we can enhance our cooperation and strengthen decision making to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians.”

Professor Marcia Langton AO from the Indigenous Data Network said it is pleased to be working with the Coalition of Peaks on this community driven initiative.

“By supporting communities and community-controlled organisations to collect their own data and use Government held data, the Coalition of Peaks and the Indigenous Data Network are helping communities to tell their own stories about what is working for them and what isn't," Professor Langton said.

Lead Convener of the Coalition of Peaks, Ms Pat Turner AM, said the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led data project responded to the community engagements in 2019.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people said clearly they need access to data and information to share decision making with government and drive their own development by identifying local solutions for local issues,” Ms Turner said.

The Indigenous Data Network works closely with Indigenous communities and organisations to build technical capability and support them in managing data for the benefit of the community.

The Coalition of Peaks is made up of nearly 50 members of national, state and territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies and is working with government to finalise a new National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The data project will establish data projects in six communities around Australia and is funded as part of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.