Abstracts from the Wounds Australia Conference 14-16 October 2024

Aims To provide update information on the requirements of individual practictioners, and health organisations about patient data security and compliance, including for Indigenous Australians.Methods Reviewing recent grey literature on government policy, guidance, and requirements, especially Indigenous Data Soverienty (IDS refers to the right of Indigenous Peoples to exercise ownership over Indigenous Data) and Indigenous Data Governace (IDG refers to the right of Indigenous Peoples to autonomously decide what, how and why Indigenous data are collected, accessed and used). ResultsDigital technology progressing at such a rapid pace, it is difficult for individuals, businesses and governments to keep up, and understanding how to appropriately protect data.While businesses and health services are expanding their use of technology, and data collection, consumer awareness of the importance of data privacy and protection is increasing, and society is becoming more concerned about breaches and misuse.In many cases the protection of privacy especially digital data by governments has not kept pace with the public demand for data protection policy.Until recently i.e. prior to 2014 Australian's were relying predominantly on The Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) for Data Security.There has been attempts to catch up with DFAT's review of the Privacy Act in 2014, 2017 and the development of the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme 2018.The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) 2024 introduction of 23 legislative proposals to the Privacy Act Review, and a new statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy.The Privacy Act now provides 13 Australian Privacy Principles (Principles) for protecting privacy.The Principles are standards for the collection, use, disclosure, quality and security of personal information and provide obligations on organisations concerning access.The OAIC is responsible for investigating breaches of the Principles.Accepting enforceable undertakings, seeking civil penalties and conducting assessments of privacy performances.The Maiam Nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty Collective was formed in 2017 to develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander data sovereignty principles. ConclusionsThe OAIC is responsible for investigating breaches of the Principles.Accepting enforceable undertakings, seeking civil penalties and conducting assessments of privacy performances.The value of data has never been higher.The potential or actual loss of trade secrets and or intellectual property (IP) can impact future innovations and profitability.Enacting IDG requires Indigenous leaders, practitioners and community members to advocate and participate across all sectors and jurisdictions.Indigenous communities retain the right to decide which sets of data require active governance and inconsistent with the principles.Volume 32 Number 4 -December 2024 205 automation, emphasizing the need for reskilling and upskilling to meet new job demands.While some roles may decline, others, like data analysts and digital transformation specialists, are expected to grow.Embracing AI's potential can lead to innovative services and products, requiring continuous adaptation and learning.