• Report into State's data linkage capabilities released today
• McGowan Government is committed to improving public services through the improved use and sharing of data

Science Minister Dave Kelly and Health Minister Roger Cook have today released the Data Linkage Expert Advisory Group's report into Western Australia's data linkage capabilities.
 
WA's Chief Scientist Professor Peter Klinken AC chaired the group, which also included Government Chief Information Officer Giles Nunis, and Founding Director of Telethon Kids Institute Professor Fiona Stanley AC, with additional expert advice provided by Professors Bruce Armstrong and Louisa Jorm.
 
The review included extensive consultation with the research, not-for-profit and public sectors and a comprehensive report was finalised late last year.
 
The report includes recommendations to improve the State's current data linkage service in the short term, and develop a whole-of-government model in the future which builds on the State's existing strengths in population health data linkage and research.
 
The report's recommendations will feed into a number of the Government's current reform initiatives, including a commitment to State privacy legislation and the Service Priority Review.
 
For more information and to view the report, visit http://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/data-linkage-review
 
Comments attributed to Science Minister Dave Kelly:
 
"Government agencies collect a multitude of data in the course of their daily operations and it is imperative we maximise this valuable resource.

"Linking datasets is a highly valuable tool for research and analysis across policy, legislation, investment, prevention and intervention measures.
 
"I endorse the views expressed in the report that the State's current data linkage system is a significant asset and the need for legislation that better enables the sharing of data whilst also ensuring that privacy is protected.
 
"I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to the Data Linkage Expert Advisory Group for their time and efforts in conducting this review.

"The Service Priority Review will make recommendations on how to improve service delivery across the public sector. A better understanding, sharing and appropriate use of data across government will be a key component of future reforms."
 
Comments attributed to Health Minister Roger Cook:
 
"The Department of Health has operated a sophisticated data linkage system for more than 20 years.
 
"With some datasets spanning 45 years, the depth and breadth of the data linked through the system is almost unrivalled worldwide.
 
"A number of this report's recommendations align with those of an internal review recently conducted by the Department of Health, and I am pleased to say these recommendations are already being progressed with a view to improving the provision of linked data to approved users and projects."