Former NSW chief data scientist Ian Oppermann has been appointed the federal government’s new Data Standards Chair for Digital ID and the Consumer Data Right in the first shakeup since the role was created in 2018.
Mr Oppermann, who will take up the role for an initial two-year period in March, replaces outgoing chair and one-time IBM Australian and New Zealand managing director Andrew Stevens.
Mr Stevens has held the role since the creation of the Data Standards Body within CSIRO’s digital arm Data61 in 2018. He was reappointed by both the former Coalition government and Albanese government in 2021 and 2023.
Mr Stevens is also stepping down from his role as chair of Industry, Innovation and Science Australia (IISA), having reached the limits of his term which began in December 2018.
“It has been a privilege to contribute to our nation’s advancement… I have taken great pride in advocating for programs and policies which support emerging technology, sustainable practices, and entrepreneurial growth…” he wrote on LinkedIn.
As Data Standards Chair for Digital ID and CDR, Mr Oppermann will “directly support the safety of Australians’ data”, Finance minister Katy Gallagher and Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said while thanking Mr Stevens on Thursday.
“Mr Stevens has championed CDR and the importance of consumers accessing their data. We thank Andrew for his significant contribution to this important initiative for all Australian consumers,” they said.
Mr Oppermann has spent the last 12 months at ServiceGen, a government technology advisory firm set up by former NSW digital minister Victor Dominello, having joined after his role as NSW chief data scientist was dissolved.
Mr Oppermann also announced on Friday that he will be joining the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) as an advisor, adding to his existing roles at Standards Australia, Amaroo, UTS and JurisTechne.
“Every government around the world is facing increased pressure to respond to the needs of their citizens in an increasingly data driven, digitally enabled world,” Mr Oppermann wrote.
“The focus of the work with the TBI will be helping governments with their data, digital and AI maturity with an emphasis on improving the lives of everyday people.”
As reported last week, Mr Dominello has also joined TBI as a senior adviser. The former politician also continues to chair the Services Australia and MyGov Independent Advisory Panel.
Public sector stalwart Pia Andrews has stepped down as chief data officer at the Department of Home Affairs, a role she has held for last year, and is now seeking new work.
Ms Andrews, who spent almost two years at Amazon Web Services before joining Home Affairs, said on LinkedIn that the Data and Economic Analysis Centre that she led “significantly improved” the department’s data analytics capability during her tenure.
She said the work “contributed to significant savings and benefits for the Department, but more importantly to significant value and avoided social/economic harm for the Australian community”.
“I’m sad to announce I am leaving Home Affairs. I’ve been inspired during my time working in this portfolio, surrounded by many good people who are genuinely committed to furthering the prosperity, security and unity of the nation,” Ms Andrews added.
Australia’s chief scientist Cathy Foley will officially hang up her boots this month, ending a four-year term that followed a successful career at the CSIRO focused on semiconductors and superconducting electronics.
Dr Foley has focused her efforts on emerging technologies like quantum, unlocking research through open access better metrics and access to infrastructure, and recognising Indigenous knowledge systems.
Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas this week announced his resignation after a decade in the role. It follows a blistering critique of the state government’s management of the economy late last month.
Mr Pallas, who will also resign as the member for Werribee, said that the time was right to leave the role. Victorian Attorney General Jaclyn Symes has been appointed the new Treasurer and will now have the task of turning the state’s finances around.
“Renewal is important, and after 10 years as Treasurer it is time for me to hand over the reins,” he said, adding that it was honoured and privileged to have severed the Victorian people.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has made two new senior hires as part of a restructure that followed a 23 per cent budget cut by the federal government earlier this year.
Ashleigh McDonald has been appointed executive general manager, information rights, moving to the agency from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, where she is currently assistant secretary for legal policy.
She will be joined on the leadership team by Rowena Park, who has been appointed executive general manager, regulatory action. Ms Park comes to OAIC from the Australian Energy Regulator.
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