The new not-for-profit association will be chaired by former ACCC Chair and current Monash Business School Professor Graeme Samuel and comprises twelve founding board members from a cross-section of Australian industry, including major financial institutions, leading retailers, law firms, real estate corporations, airlines, and specialist data suppliers including technology, software and consulting service providers.

DGA will establish best practice industry standards and benchmarks around the collection, use and management of data in Australia. It will provide education, thought leadership and advocacy services to its members to promote and foster understanding of how data can be used responsibly to drive innovation and competitive advantage whilst complying with all regulatory requirements.

Chairman of the Board of DGA Graeme Samuel commented, “Advances in data technology and capabilities have transformed the way that Australian businesses use, store and manage data over the last decade. Used effectively and managed responsibly, data can drive innovation, revenue growth and customer experience. However, in a world of almost infinite data storage and use, it is incumbent upon all sectors of industry to ensure that stringent self-regulation and best-practice is applied to retain consumer confidence and avoid heavy-handed federal regulation.”

DGA will provide advocacy, education, support and thought leadership on all aspects of data usage and will operate alongside its sister associations ADMA, AIMIA and IAPA, all of which operate as separate associations, powered by a central expert team and resource base.