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Information asset management policy

The information asset management policy provides whole-of-government guidance for the classification, storage, access and disposal of government information assets. 

The aims of this policy are to:

  • promote consistency and best practice
  • enhance security and privacy
  • enable use and re-use of information resources by government and community to achieve government outcomes, drive innovation, increase economic productivity, and enhance social and cultural outcomes
  • reduce implementation risk of digital and ICT solutions through the reuse of proven designs within government
  • ensure that new information asset management digital and ICT solutions draw efficiency from preceding investments, implementations, and learnings.

Applicability 

Digital investment proposals are assessed against this policy by the DTA through the Digital and ICT Investment Oversight Framework (IOF).

Commonwealth entities are encouraged to apply this policy to all digital investments.

Policy requirements

  • Appropriately create, manage, retain, and dispose information assets

    Implement appropriate creation, management, retention, archiving, and destruction practices. Ensure information assets are created and managed according to their value by way of transparent, responsible, and secure handling of information assets. Stringent data ownership and control conditions should be specified and maintained; and appropriate digital preservation planning undertaken.

  • Share and collaborate

    Prioritise the transparent and collaborative governance of information assets. Align with common data ontologies, release non-sensitive data openly, optimise public data use. Share data with states and territories, partner with the research sector and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and implement robust data governance and risk frameworks for responsible information asset management.

  • Adhere to reuse principles

    Analyse the current information asset management technology environment against business requirements, identifying gaps and opportunities for reuse. Ensure the ongoing viability of information asset solutions through continual improvement of processes, and features, data, security, technology, skills, and cost.

Capabilities

This policy includes requirements that relate to the following capability.
CAP4

Information asset management

Standards

The following standards show what to do to satisfy this policy.
Direct link: www.datacommissioner.gov.au/node/105 Responsible agency: Office of the National Data Commissioner Last updated: 14 September 2020  The Foundational Four provides a set of principles to establish data curation practices within an Australian Government agency. It…
Information is one of the most valuable assets the Australian Government holds, and it needs to be managed in a similar way to other high value assets. Commonwealth entities collect many types of information assets as they operate in their varied capacities. Entities should adopt a strategic whole-…
The Framework aims to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people greater agency over how their data are governed within the Australian Public Service (APS) so government held data better reflects their priorities and aspirations. It guides the Australian Public Service (APS) on how…

Designs

The following designs can be relevant to meeting the requirements of this policy.
Direct link: data.gov.auResponsible agency: Australian Bureau of Statistics Data.gov.au is the central source of data published by Australian federal, state and local government agencies. The beta platform is targeted at improving data transparency, enabling easier access to government data and…
Direct link: dataplace.gov.auLead agency: Office of the National Data Commissioner Dataplace is the digital platform to find and request Australian Government data. The platform brings together those wanting to get access to data (such as researchers and those working on public policy and…
Direct link: adms.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/admsResponsible agency: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations The Apprenticeship Data Management System (ADMS) is a secure, custom-built platform that supports the delivery of the Australian Apprenticeship programs, by ensuring efficient…
Direct link: www.datacommissioner.gov.au/find-dataResponsible agency: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner The Australian Government data catalogue enables users to discover data held by Australian Government agencies. It is accessible on Dataplace. The catalogue draws on the data…
Direct link: www.directory.gov.au Responsible agency: Department of Finance The Australian Government Directory is a comprehensive resource that provides information about the structures, organisations and key people in the Australian Government. The register contains information about 1,322…
Direct link: abs.gov.au/about/data-services/data-integration/integrated-data/national-disability-data-assetResponsible agency: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare  The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Australian Institute of Health…
Direct link: www.abs.gov.au/about/key-priorities/big-data-timely-insights-phase-2/about-programResponsible agency: Australian Bureau of Statistics Big data, timely insights: phase 2 is part of the ABS’ 10-year modernisation program to replace its legacy IT systems.  Big data, timely insights:…
Direct link: evciroadmap.evenergi.comResponsible agency: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water The Electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) mapping tool is an Australian Government initiative developed in collaboration with all states and territories, and EVenergi.…
Direct link: www.greenhouseaccounts.climatechange.gov.auResponsible agency: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and WaterThe National greenhouse accounts is the official source for tracking Australia’s progress towards international emissions reduction commitments and projections…
NationalMap was decommissioned at the end of June 2025. This decision followed extensive research revealing a gradual decline in usage rates over an extended period. Datasets that were available through NationalMap remain available via data.gov.au. NationalMap, together with data.gov.au, …
Direct link: www.transparency.gov.au Responsible agency: Department of FinanceThe Transparency portal contains all publicly available corporate information for Commonwealth entities.  Reports available on the portal include:  Portfolio Budget Statements Corporate Plans Annual…
Direct link: www.bom.gov.au/water/market/index.shtml Responsible agency: Bureau of MeteorologyCurrently, Australian water market information is available through: Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) website, which publishes market reports and operates a water markets dashboard Department of…
Responsible agency: Comcare Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS) is the primary application used by Comcare’s Regulatory Operations Group for various regulatory licensing, monitoring, compliance, and investigation tasks. It is a central, organised, easy-to access place to store data…
Direct link: developer.digitalhealth.gov.au/standardsResponsible agency: Australian Digital Health Agency The Digital health standards catalogue provides easy access to and simple explanations of the standards that support the ongoing digital transformation of the Australian healthcare sector.…
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