Data Availability and Transparency (Australian National University) Authorisation 2026
I, Professor Rebekah Brown, Interim Vice‑Chancellor, Australian National University, make the following authorisation.
Dated 22 July 2026
Professor Rebekah Brown FASSA
Interim Vice‑Chancellor and President
Australian National University
Contents
1 Name
2 Commencement
3 Authority
4 Definitions
5 Appointment of authorised officer
1 Name
This instrument is the Data Availability and Transparency (Australian National University) Authorisation 2026.
2 Commencement
(1) Each provision of this instrument specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
Commencement information |
Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
Provisions | Commencement | Date/Details |
1. The whole of this instrument | The day after this instrument is registered. | 31 July 2026 |
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this instrument as originally made. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this instrument.
(2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this instrument. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this instrument.
3 Authority
This instrument is made under section 137 of the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022.
4 Definitions
Note: Expressions used in this instrument have the same meaning as in the Act (see paragraph 13(1)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003).
In this instrument:
Act means the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022.
University means the Australian National University.
5 Appointment of authorised officer
The individual who, from time to time, occupies the position of Pro Vice‑Chancellor (Research Infrastructure and Entities) at the University is an authorised officer for the purposes of the data sharing scheme.
Overview
The Data Availability and Transparency (Australian National University) Authorisation 2026I was enacted to facilitate the implementation of the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022, which was introduced to address the growing need for greater transparency and accessibility of research data within Australian institutions. This legislation was enacted by Professor Rebekah Brown, the Interim Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University, and it designates the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure and Entities) as the authorised officer for the data sharing scheme. The primary policy objective is to ensure that research data is made available and transparent, thereby promoting integrity, reproducibility, and collaboration in research activities. The authorisation, which came into effect on 31 July 2026, the day after its registration, underscores the importance of these principles in the academic and research community.
Scope and Application
The Data Availability and Transparency (Australian National University) Authorisation 2026 applies specifically to the Australian National University, focusing on enhancing data availability and transparency within the institution. This authorisation is grounded in section 137 of the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022, and its provisions commence on 31 July 2026, the day after the instrument is registered. The authorisation identifies the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure and Entities) as an authorised officer responsible for overseeing the data sharing scheme in alignment with the Act. This authorisation encompasses the definitions and expressions used within the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022, ensuring consistency and clarity in its implementation. The geographic reach of this authorisation is limited to the Australian National University, making it a targeted legislative measure within the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this authorisation, but its application may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments as necessary.
Key Provisions
The Data Availability and Transparency (Australian National University) Authorisation 2026 establishes specific provisions to govern data availability and transparency at the Australian National University (ANU) under the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022 (sections 1-5). The instrument itself, which came into effect on 31 July 2026, designates the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure and Entities) as the authorised officer responsible for overseeing the implementation of the data sharing scheme. The authorisation also clarifies that the terms used within the document have the same meaning as those defined in the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022.
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. The key obligation is the appointment of an authorised officer, specifically the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure and Entities) at ANU, who is responsible for ensuring the effective operation of the data sharing scheme (section 5). This officer must adhere to the provisions set forth in the Act to maintain data availability and transparency within the university. The authorised officer's role includes monitoring compliance with data sharing policies, facilitating data access, and ensuring that data is shared in a manner that aligns with the Act’s objectives.
In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the authorisation does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences within the text provided. However, breaches of the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022 could potentially lead to legal action, fines, or other penalties as prescribed by the overarching Act. The severity of these consequences would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as any additional provisions or regulations that may be stipulated in the primary Act or related legislation. It is important for the authorised officer and other relevant parties to fully understand and comply with the Act to avoid any adverse outcomes.