Technology alone will never be enough to manage the vast volume and variety of information created in today’s world, according to the National Archives of Australia.

‘Of course it’s pleasing to see the uptake of new technologies transforming the way we deliver government and managing the overwhelming amount of information that’s created today,’ said David Fricker, Director-General of the National Archives.

‘Right now as the Australian Government transitions to digital, we need people with high-level strategic skills to work with business to manage digital information assets effectively across an organisation.

‘We are calling for Commonwealth agencies to establish a chief information governance officer (CIGO) role to bring people, technology and processes together.’

Under its Digital Continuity 2020 policy, the National Archives recognises the role of chief information governance officer as ‘best practice’ for agencies committed to professional information management. As well as leading information governance across an agency, the role is critical for digital innovation and capability, and for championing the importance of effective information management.

‘An enterprise-wide view will break down silos to create new opportunities to deliver better business outcomes,’ said Mr Fricker. ‘We recognise that in an agile environment, agencies will implement the CIGO role in their own way. To assist agencies to implement the role as part of their information governance agenda, we have provided comprehensive advice online.’

Mr Fricker says key benefits of establishing this new role will be to attract and retain skilled and qualified information professionals by providing a rewarding career pathway, and to create a community of practice where ongoing professional development is valued. The target date for agencies to implement the role is 31 December 2017.