A new independent data governance industry association, Data Governance Australia (DGA), aims to establish best practice industry standards and benchmarks around the collection, use and management of data in Australia.

The new not-for-profit association will be chaired by former ACCC Chair and current Monash Business School Professor Graeme Samuel and comprises twelve founding board members from a cross-section of Australian industry, including major financial institutions, leading retailers, law firms, real estate corporations, airlines, and specialist data suppliers including technology, software and consulting service providers.

It will provide education, thought leadership and advocacy services to its members to promote and foster understanding of how data can be used responsibly to drive innovation and competitive advantage whilst complying with all regulatory requirements.

Chairman of the Board of DGA Graeme Samuel commented, “Advances in data technology and capabilities have transformed the way that Australian businesses use, store and manage data over the last decade. Used effectively and managed responsibly, data can drive innovation, revenue growth and customer experience.

“However, in a world of almost infinite data storage and use, it is incumbent upon all sectors of industry to ensure that stringent self-regulation and best-practice is applied to retain consumer confidence and avoid heavy-handed federal regulation.”

Founding board members of DGA are;

In a joint statement, Jodie Sangster, CEO ADMA and Murray Hyde, GM DGA added “Data is driving whole of business strategies, not just media and marketing, and so the timing is right to launch an association to serve the whole spectrum of Australian business and not just their marketing function.”

www.datagovernanceaus.com.au