Detail from artwork by Jenni McEwen, Acrylic on canvas – 2021
What is the NSW Data Connector Service?
The Data Connector Service creates a single point of contact in government for Aboriginal communities. This is where requests for access to government held data can be made.
The service aims to empower Aboriginal people through information. Having access to this information helps to inform decisions and future plans.
Data Connectors, many of whom are Aboriginal, work across several government departments. There is also a central team, based in The Cabinet Office, that supports and oversees the service.
This is a joint program between the NSW Government and the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peaks Organisations. It started in 2023 as part of a 2-year program. It is meeting commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap Priority Reform 4.
How will Data Connectors support Aboriginal communities and organisations?
Data Connectors are available to be your first point of contact. They will listen to you to understand what you need. They will then work with you to find and access data.
If NSW agencies are not able to share data or you don’t get data that is useful, they will work to understand how to improve the data access to in the future.
Data Connectors know that some of the data you are asking for that is held by NSW Government agencies is about you and your community. They also know that Aboriginal people have a right to access this information. They will work with you to make sure that the privacy of everyone involved is protected.
What data and information can be accessed?
Governments hold many different types of data and information. Some of this data is available to the public, while other data is more restricted.
Open data: is data that is available to everyone. You can find open data on government websites, or Data Connectors can support you to find this information and answer any questions you might have. Some examples include:
- Data.NSW: a website that links you to open data sets from across NSW Government.
- HealthStats: a data portal presenting a range of health data and insights.
- BOCSAR Crime Mapping Tool: provides maps, graphs and data on criminal incidents, victims and offenders.
- Aboriginal-led Data Sharing Dashboard: presents child-protection and out-of-home care statistics for Aboriginal children and young people.
- SEED Portal: presents a range of environmental data related to lands, water, skies and animals.
Closed or restricted data: This data and information is not made available to the public and requires an application. This will take longer to access. You can request access to secure data by contacting NSWDataConnectors@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
Data Connectors will need to talk to you about whether the data is available, how the data is going to be used if it is shared, and whether it can be shared safely. This protects everyone’s right to privacy.
Note that there are some other ways to access data and information, including the Government Information Public Access Act (GIPA). Depending on your request, the Data Connector Service can provide you with further advice.
Where did the idea for the NSW Data Connector Service come from?
In 2021, peak governing groups met to consider community feedback during the Closing the Gap consultations. These groups were Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, Regional Alliances and NSW Government. The meetings were referred to as the Data, Reporting and Evaluation Officer Level Working Group.
They agreed to make it easier for Aboriginal communities to access and use data. The group co-created a program of work included in the 2022–2024 NSW Implementation Plan for Closing the Gap.
The NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peaks (NSW CAPO) and NSW Government are working together to deliver the Plan. They are the Joint Priority Reform Four Project Team (the Team).
As part of the plan, the Team will develop a proposal to reform NSW data systems and operating models for the longer term. The goal is to make it easier for Aboriginal communities to access and use data in the future.
Data Mapping – making government-held data more visible
The Team is developing a Data Map of information NSW government agencies hold that is relevant for Aboriginal communities and organisations.
The aim is to support communities in identifying what data they may want. It will create greater transparency and accountability for Aboriginal communities. The creation of the Data Map will be community led so it is easy to understand and useful for communities across the state.
To see an early draft of the Data Map, or want to shape what information and data needed in the map, please contact NSWDataConnectors@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
We will set up a time to show you some concepts and hear your thoughts. We respect your knowledge and time and commit to keeping you updated on our progress as the Data Map is developed.
Contact us
The Data Connectors invite you to reach out for a yarn about what data you need or provide any information or advice on how to make a data request.
To get in touch, email NSWDataConnectors@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
We will connect you with the individual Data Connectors relevant to your data or information request.