The Federal Government is calling for public input on the creation of the Regional Data Hub - a new central source of data for Australia's regions.
Federal Regional Communications Minister, Mark Coulton MP said the hub would provide a publicly available and searchable site that will make it easier to find the relevant data while also addressing gaps in data relating to rural Australia.
"High quality data and research are critical in making strong evidence-based decisions," Minister Coulton said.
"The Regional Data Hub will provide an enduring source of information that helps community users, all tiers of government and others to serve the interests of their communities.
"The design and content of the Regional Data Hub will put user needs first."
The types of data collated will be based on the feedback received through this consultation, but Government proposes to focus on economic, social and demographic themes.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, said it is important we understand the data needed to support the best possible outcomes for our regions over the long term.
"This consultation process will ensure the Regional Data Hub provides high-quality outputs to support regional data users including community members, local leaders, researchers, industry and all levels of government. I encourage everyone with an interest to make a submission," Assistant Minister Marino said.
The Australian Government committed $13.7 million to the Better Data Use to Support Delivery for Regional Australians program over 4 years from 2020-21, which will provide government and community decision makers with easier access to relevant data. The Regional Data Hub is part of this program.
A six week consultation process is now underway to understand data and information needs of users that will help prioritise data sets made available on the Hub.
"The process will also explore the mutual benefits of sharing and collaborating with data," Minister Coulton said.
Feedback can be provided via a 20 minute survey or a submission responding to the consultation paper, both of which are available at communications.gov.au/have-your-say/RDHConsultation.
The public consultation period closes at 5pm AEST on Friday, 2 July 2021.
