Data.NSW federates over 10000 datasets that span everything from train usage to school location and enrollment numbers. These datasets are used across government and industry to make information accessible and assist in making better-informed decisions. In this data story we highlight the work that our colleagues at Revenue NSW are doing to facilitate the return of unclaimed money to citizens and businesses across NSW.

The Data Analytics Centre (DAC) Program and Practice team is developing a digital tool that NSW Government agencies can use to create comprehensive and fit-for-purpose data sharing agreements. As part of this project, we’ve developed a fast-track prototype that we are testing with data users across government.

Using Data to Reduce Delays

Transport for NSW

Approximately 49% of Australia’s domestic freight is transported by rail. Under Transport for NSW, freight trains in NSW run through three networks: Sydney Trains, Australian Rail Track Corporation, and Country Rail Network.

Each network has its own collection of data sets, with its own set of challenges.

The NSW Department of Customer Service recently held the third Data Champions Network meeting – a quarterly meeting that brings together leaders across NSW government who are passionate about unlocking the value of data within their agencies. 

Japanese has topped the list of the most popular languages studied by students in their early years of high school, according to data released by the Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation. More than 25,000 NSW students in years 7, 8 and 9 undertook Japanese language studies in 2017.

Clear data visualisations are key to making an impact on your audience. Regardless of the type of visualization you use or the technology you use to prepare it, the following tips will help you refine your visualization and increase the chances of your audience understanding the story you're telling.

Clutter is bad. Simple is good

Don’t let non-essential visualisation elements detract from your message. Embrace your inner Marie Kondo – if it doesn’t ‘spark joy’, it must go! Think about the following, which might help you deliver your message with clarity:

There is a wealth of data in government agencies sitting around, unloved and unutilised. We blogged recently that smarter use of data can help to meet the needs of communities by informing better services, products, decisions and planning. To help realise the value of this data, we’re bringing together data champions from across NSW Government – the second Data Champions Network meeting gathered recently, with almost 50 data experts getting together in one room.

NSW Health

NSW Health aims to promote and support healthy eating and active living in NSW and to reduce the impact of lifestyle-related chronic disease. Obesity, particularly childhood obesity, is an important metric of health in NSW.

Discretionary foods and drinks are associated with obesity, and unhealthy eating behaviours can help inform future trends in population obesity prevalence.

Sharing is caring

Every government agency collects data, but it’s not always put to good use – agencies tend to keep it to themselves, or (worse) lock it away and never touch it again. As a team, we’ve been charged with pulling together data from across government and helping agencies use it in smart and secure ways. The more we understand about communities, the better we can meet their needs with services, products, decisions and planning.