auDA is pleased to present its first Public Policy Agenda, setting out our domestic public policy priorities. The Agenda provides .au members and stakeholders insight into the key policy issues where auDA plays an active role to support Australia’s digital transformation.
Context for auDA’s Public Policy Agenda
The internet is a vital part of our lives, and auDA is committed to ensuring that it is an open, free and secure place for all Australians.
auDA research found that Australians recognise the internet’s positive impact with 98 per cent saying the internet delivers value to their lives and one third claiming they could not live without the internet.
New digital technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things, 5G and quantum computing enhance the capabilities of the internet – allowing people to do even more in the online world. To take advantage of these developments, it is vital that people can be confident in the internet’s integrity, security and privacy.
That is why in our Public Policy Agenda for 2023-24, we focus on three key areas:
- Cyber security
- Privacy
- Digital identity.
These are ‘live’ areas of policy debate in Australia in 2023. We will actively participate in policy discussions through submissions and forums to advance these policy areas. Below we explain why each of these are important.
Cyber security
Cyber security is essential to protecting our digital infrastructure and our personal data. It is also an essential element in improving the digital lives of Australians.
We believe that cyber security policy and strategy should be regarded broadly, in the context of the digital economy and society, and not just through a narrow national security lens.
We advocate for a holistic approach to cyber security that includes both government and industry action.
Privacy
Privacy is another essential element of a trusted and secure online environment.
We believe that privacy principles and laws should encourage governments and organisations to minimise the collection, retention and utilisation of individuals’ personal and sensitive information.
We advocate for government and industry to develop robust privacy principles and laws that protect Australians' rights and freedoms in the digital world.
Digital identity
As the online world becomes more immersive and personalised, our digital identities must become more secure.
We believe that trust in the security and privacy of Australians’ personal and sensitive data are basic prerequisites for a national digital identity system and the greatest possible acceptance among individuals and businesses.
We advocate for a human-centric approach to the design and adoption of digital identity systems.
Other areas of attention: policy coherence and technology progress
In addition to cyber security, privacy and digital identity, we keep abreast of technology changes that impact the digital lives of Australians. We offer perspectives on these changes where we have knowledge from our work, or where they have a significant impact on the social and economic benefits people can realise from the internet and digital technologies.
To achieve more inclusive, coherent and better-informed policy outcomes, we also advocate for a multi-stakeholder approach across our public policy advocacy initiatives.
We believe that such an approach should involve all relevant policymakers and regulators.
We welcome your feedback
During 2023-24, our policy team will proactive share the Agenda with our stakeholders and work to advance our views on these topics.
As champions of the multi-stakeholder approach, we encourage and invite you to become part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts and feedback on our policy priorities and our stance on them via email.
Together, we can build a more inclusive and secure digital future for Australia.
Thank you for your interest in auDA's Public Policy Agenda. Read the full auDA Public Policy Agenda on the auDA website.
