Aboriginal Data Sovereignty

As representatives of the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (CAPO) and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), we are pleased to introduce the Aboriginal Data Sovereignty & Governance team. Established in 2023, this team is dedicated to advancing the principles of Aboriginal data sovereignty and improving governance frameworks. Our mission is to ensure that Aboriginal communities in New South Wales have control over their data, enabling them to make informed decisions & drive positive outcomes in alignment with their cultural values. Priority Reform 4 (PR4) refers to one of the key reforms in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander data sovereignty. This reform emphasises the importance of improving data governance and systems to better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The aim of PR4 is to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have control over data that affects them, including its collection, use, & analysis. This includes creating mechanisms for communities to access & use data to make informed decisions & to hold governments and agencies accountable for outcomes. Key aspects of Priority Reform 4 include: Strengthening Data Systems: Improving the quality, reliability, & accessibility of data relevant to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples. Data Sovereignty: Ensuring that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities have ownership and control over their data. Capacity Building: Developing the skills & infrastructure within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to manage & use data effectively. Cultural Considerations: Incorporating cultural protocols & respect for privacy in data collection & management processes. The goal is to create a data environment that supports better outcomes and ensures that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples can meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lives.