Harnessing Data and Digital Technology Interim Report
Harnessing data and digital technology
Productivity Commission are exploring a range of reforms that will build public confidence in data and technology and make it easier to unlock the benefits offered by new technology and AI. This is Pillar 3 of their 5 Pillar Strategy.
The PC has been asked by the Australian Government to conduct an inquiry into Harnessing data and digital technology. As part of this work, we have been tasked with identifying priority reforms and developing actionable recommendations.
In this interim report, the PC presents draft recommendations focused on four key policy reform areas:
- Enable AI's productivity potential
- New pathways to expand data access
- Supporting safe data access and use through outcomes-based privacy regulation
- Enhance reporting efficiency, transparency and accuracy through digital financial reporting.
Link to Interim Report
ITS Australia sincerely appreciates the opportunity the Commonwealth Government and the Productivity Commission has provided to make a submission on this important topic. ITS Australia is the peak body for the transport technology sector and many of our 150+ member organisations play a role at the leading edge of new and emerging technologies to improve safety and efficiency on our transport networks.
With more than 1,200 people dying and over 30,000 people being seriously injured each year on Australia’s roads, the only long‐term goal we can have is for zero fatal and serious injuries. To that end, we believe transport technology are one of the key opportunities available to support achieving that target.
The Productivity Commission’s interim report acknowledges the transformative role of data, AI, and digital infrastructure in productivity growth. For the transport technology sector, already at the forefront of connected vehicles, Cooperative ITS, digital twins, and telematics, the report provides both validation and caution. The emphasis on outcomes-based regulation for AI is particularly important.
If realised, this could prevent the effect of rigid, prescriptive guardrails and instead allow transport innovators to leverage AI for real-time traffic optimisation, predictive maintenance, and automated freight while maintaining public trust. However, the report’s recommendation to pause mandatory AI guardrails until regulatory “gap analyses” are complete carries risks. Transport operators, infrastructure managers, and technology providers face immediate challenges including; cybersecurity threats, algorithmic bias in safety-critical systems, and emissions from high-computing power applications, that require timely regulatory clarity.
The call to expand data access pathways is highly relevant to transport. The ability for logistics companies, state and city authorities, and communities to securely access and integrate mobility, telematics, and environmental data could unlock more efficient freight corridors, safer intersections, and personalised MaaS (Mobility as a Service) offerings. But without a clear governance framework and protections for vulnerable groups it could erode trust which can slow change.