A NSW Government website

Data.NSW
Data.NSW

Data Policy

Creating a strong policy framework to increase the safe and secure use of data across NSW government

Key NSW data-related legislation

The following is an overview of key data legislation and policies that impacts the whole NSW Government sector:

Data Sharing (Government Sector) Act 2015

The Data Sharing Act enables the sharing of data between government agencies and data sharing with the NSW Data Analytics Centre (DAC). It aims to:

  • Encourage and facilitate data sharing
  • Outline safeguards for sharing data
  • State that data sharing must be legally compliant
  • Ensure data involving personal information is protected
  • Allow the responsible Minister to direct agencies to provide data to the DAC in certain circumstances. 

Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

The GIPA Act facilitates public access to NSW Government information. It aims to: 

  • Authorise and encourage the release of information by NSW Government agencies
  • Give the public the right to request access to government information
  • Ensure government information is only restricted when there is an overriding public interest against disclosing the information. 

Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (HRIP Act)

The HRIP Act protects health records and information. It aims to:

  • Promote the fair and responsible handling of citizen's health information
  • Enable individuals to gain access to their health information
  • Enable individuals to submit a complaint regarding their health information privacy
  • Protect the privacy of individuals in the health system..

Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act)

The PPIP Act provides for the protection of personal information, and the protection of the privacy of individuals generally. All personal information that is made, kept or collected by government organisations must be created and managed in accordance with the Information Protection Principles under the PPIP Act.  It aims to: 

  • Protect personal information
  • Ensure government organisations manage and protect personal information
  • Enable the investigation into breaches of privacy.

State Records Act 1998

The State Records Act governs the creation, management and protection of records of NSW government agencies and allows for public access to records that are at least 20 years old.  Government organisations should consider requirements from:

  • Standard on records management which establishes key requirements for effective information management, including data management
  • Retention and disposal authorities which identify records required as State archives and provide approval for destruction of records, including data, after minimum retention requirements have been met. 
Two young people collaborating on a project
NSW legislation resource

Developed by the NSW Data Analytics Centre, the NSW Government Legislation Twin shows visually the interconnections between pieces of legislation to support policy work.

Policies

NSW Cyber security policy

The NSW Cyber security policy outlines the mandatory requirements to which all NSW government agencies must adhere to ensure cyber security risks to their information and systems are managed. 

Read NSW Cyber Security Policy for more information  

Data and information custodianship policy

The NSW Data & Information Custodianship Policy defines a set of principles for the management and maintenance of the State’s core data and information assets. These principles align with national and international best practice, and industry standards and practices.

Download the NSW Data and Information Custodianship Policy

 

NSW Government Open data policy

The NSW Government Open Data Policy supports agencies to proactively release high quality usable data.

Smart places data protection policy 

The Smart places data protection policy makes it easier for smart places developers, managers and place owners to follow lawful and best practice data protection.

Download Smart places data protection policy 

Guidelines and frameworks

NSW Government Information Classification, Labelling and Handling Guidelines

The NSW Government Information Classification, Labelling and Handling Guidelines have been developed to help agencies correctly assess the sensitivity or security of their information, so that the information can be labelled, handled, stored and disposed of correctly.

Download NSW Government Information Classification, Labelling and Handling Guidelines

Information management framework

The NSW Information management framework is a practical tool that outlines a shared direction for information management in the NSW public sector.

Download NSW Information management framework

Infrastructure data management framework

The Infrastructure data management framework is a set of guidelines, procedures and standard approaches to support consistent management of infrastructure data across the NSW Government sector. 

Download the Infrastructure Data Management Framework 

Open data publishing guidelines

The Open data publishing guidelines have been developed to help NSW Government agency Data Custodians publish open data.

Download the Open data publishing guidelines