Find out how our data analysts bring essential data work back to Australia to guarantee data sovereignty and security
In an increasingly interconnected world, the security and sovereignty of critical infrastructure data have become paramount. Like many countries, Australia has recognised this imperative through the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act). This legislation aims to protect essential services from foreign interference and cyber threats.
Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA) is committed to ensuring data sovereignty by bringing this essential data work back to Australia for all levels of government and industry. ASA specialises in geospatial and digital engineering data solutions for critical infrastructure sectors, including electricity networks, fibre optic cable rollouts, agriculture and roads. These sectors are the lifeblood of any country, and their vulnerability poses a significant risk to Australia’s economy and security.
Safeguarding critical infrastructure data: a matter of sovereignty
ASA understands that the integrity of data underpinning critical infrastructure projects is non-negotiable. The SOCI Act mandates that entities responsible for critical infrastructure must manage security risks effectively. This includes ensuring that sensitive data is stored and processed within Australia's borders, preventing unauthorised access and potential manipulation by foreign actors.
Historically, many Australian organisations outsourced data processing and analysis to overseas providers—an industry worth over $AUD1 billion annually. While this approach—which covered 85% of Australia’s data needs—might have offered cost efficiencies in the past, it created significant vulnerabilities. By repatriating these services, ASA ensures that data remains under Australian jurisdiction and is subject to Australian laws and regulations. This eliminates the risk of data being accessed or compromised by foreign entities, a crucial aspect of complying with the SOCI Act.
Real-world impact: ASA’s work in critical infrastructure
ASA's expertise is evident in its work across various critical infrastructure projects in Australia. Examples include:
• Electricity: creating a ‘single source of truth’ for Energy Queensland's assets, one of the world's largest projects of its kind, and As-builts for the MacIntyre Wind Farm, one of the world’s largest onshore wind farms
• Communications: helping Ventia document Australia’s fibreoptic rollout
• Transport: roads and address validation for the Queensland Government, data management and Building Information Modelling for Brisbane Airport Corporation, road markings for the City of Hobart, emergency data management for Brisbane City Council, engineering drawings for roads and rail (Acciona), and level crossing removals in Melbourne for Fulton Hogan
• Defence: base services mapping and asset information
• Water: digital engineering for Coombabah Sewerage Treatment Plant on the Gold Coast
• Food: farm and livestock mapping for AgriWebb, paddock mapping for Swarm Farm
• Mining: digitising historical mines (Department of Regional NSW), and machine learning for Geological Survey Queensland to extract data from over 100,000 reports
• Higher education: artificial intelligence and machine learning for the Queensland University of Technology, helping koala and coral reef conservation
• Data: all professional data services are conducted in Australia by our neurodivergent team
ASA strengthens Australia’s resilience against foreign interference by working directly with these industries and all levels of government by managing their data wholly within Australia. We’re also a member of the Trusted Information Sharing Network, run by the Department of Home Affairs.
Eliminating modern slavery risks through onshore Australian operations
Beyond data sovereignty, ASA's commitment to onshore operations also addresses the serious issue of modern slavery. Outsourcing data processing to overseas providers often involves complex supply chains with limited transparency. This can inadvertently contribute to modern slavery risks, as labour practices in some countries may fall short of the ethical standards we expect.
By bringing data services back to Australia, ASA gains complete control, ensuring that all operations are conducted by Australian labour laws and ethical standards, including paying full-award wages. This eliminates the risk of contributing to modern slavery and promotes fair and responsible business practices.
Creating social impact: empowering neurodivergent Australians
ASA's dedication to data sovereignty extends beyond security and ethical considerations. It also encompasses a strong social impact component, empowering young neurodivergent Australians, including autistic people who face a staggering 34% unemployment rate. Neurodivergent people often possess unique cognitive strengths that are highly valuable in the geospatial and digital engineering professions, including pattern recognition, attention to detail, and spatial reasoning.
ASA recognises this untapped potential and has implemented programs to provide on-the-job training and employment opportunities for neurodivergent Australians who face significant barriers. By creating inclusive workplaces and providing tailored support, ASA enables them to thrive in forward-looking sectors. This approach not only addresses the employment gap but also enriches the workforce with diverse perspectives and skills. ASA's commitment to social impact extends to the entire supply chain. By prioritising local talent and ethical practices, ASA ensures that its operations contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. You can find out more in ASA’s first Social Impact Report.
The future of data sovereignty and critical infrastructure
The SOCI Act has underscored the importance of data sovereignty and security in protecting Australia's critical infrastructure. ASA's approach to data sovereignty, which combines onshore operations, ethical practices, and social impact, sets a new benchmark for the data services industry. As technology evolves and cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for robust data practices will only increase. ASA's commitment to these principles ensures that Australia's critical infrastructure remains resilient and secure, safeguarding our prosperity and well-being.
By prioritising data sovereignty, ASA is meeting the SOCI Act's requirements and creating a more secure future for Australia. Our work demonstrates that responsible business practices and social impact can complement technological innovation and national security to create economic and social impact for Australia.
Find out more about ASA’s data services work in our geospatial and digital engineering case studies.
