The Policy Lab is teaming up with the CSIRO’s Data61 in February for the next talk on all things AI.
More than 100 people turned up to the first event in November to hear about the value of data and technologies that can secure privacy.
It was great to see so many people interested in data!
The event was held at the Sydney Startup Hub, the first in a series of events between DFSI and Data61 to raise awareness within government about the latest digital technologies and thinking.
What we heard on the day
Dr Kate Cumming, from the Information and Data Policy team, showcased the amazing initiatives in NSW Government, including Their Futures Matter, the SEED environment dataset, Transport for NSW Open Data Hub and the Data Analytics Centre.
She also talked about her team’s role in leveraging data across the NSW Government.
Ellen Broad from Data61, a self-described ‘data policy wonk’, shared her wealth of experience, touching on:
- data as an asset for government
- the London fire station closures as an example of how we can make changes in response to information we have
- using data to move change
- seeing investment in data as not just a technological project but also a people and change management project, and
- ensuring effective governance over the use of data.
Wayne Patterson from Spatial Services gave the audience a glimpse into the NSW ‘Digital Twin’ proof of concept.
The Digital Twin was developed in conjunction with the CSIRO and is a virtual real-time model of the Western Sydney area’s physical and built environment. It was a fascinating presentation – we’ll have plenty more to share with you about the Digital Twin in coming posts!
And Stephen Hardy from Data61 talked about the power of data in policy making, the value of linking different data sets and some of the tools available to enable data sharing while preserving privacy and confidentiality.
Want to come to our next event?
The next event in the series is on Harnessing AI in NSW Government and we encourage NSW Government employees to come along.
You’ll hear from a range of leading thinkers about the opportunities to use AI, including examples of AI in government, trends, emerging tools and ethical considerations.
Join us on February 5 at the NSW Teachers Federation (37 Reservoir St, Surry Hills) from 9.30am – 11.30am. We’ll also be live streaming the event for those unable to make it.
If you have any questions or comments about the events, let us know at data61agreement@finance.nsw.gov.au