EP219 ~ Digital Identity is coming. So what does this mean for you and your small business?

By Alexi Boyd | Tuesday January 16

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #219
Broadcast date: 16th January 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: John Shepherd PSM, First Assistant Secretary, Digital Identity Taskforce, Dept Finance

You don’t have to be a Fintech or a tech company to work with data as a small business owner. We work on a daily basis with business data, integrated personal information and the data held on behalf of our customers. For most, it’s just contact information in a CRM but small businesses are becoming increasingly aware that even the simplest data is personal, it can be sensitive and should be protected.

Digital Identity is coming and will transform the way a lot of small businesses deal with the data for which we are responsible. It sounds like another Government process which will create more red tape. Well, John Shepherd PSM’s role is to make this economy wide transition as seamless as possible. Luckily he has plenty of experience dealing with small business having previously been in charge of Single Touch Payroll rollout and understands the importance of integrating such a change into small business’ natural processes.

PEOPLE - This new legislation will have direct impact on how small businesses operate with their data and accompanying responsibilities.  Can you give us an overview of what they can expect?

POLICY - Where are we in the legislation cycle for Digital Identity? When will these changes take affect? With whom did you consult from the small business community?

PURPOSE - What's the purpose of this legislation, what problem is it trying to solve? Is it going to make the landscape fairer for small businesses? What does it mean for the data processes we have in place now?

John Shepherd PSM has held a range of senior positions in the Commonwealth Public Service and has more than 20 years’ experience leading successful large scale transformation programs.

John is the First Assistant Secretary, Digital ID and Data Policy Division within the Department of Finance. The Division includes the Digital ID Taskforce, which is leading work to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide system for digital ID, including the introduction of legislation and rules and establishment of a regulator. The Division is also responsible for whole of government public sector data policy, cross jurisdictional data and digital ministerial engagement, and assurance of the Australian Government’s high-cost and high-risk projects and programs.

John held a number of senior roles at the ABS and ATO, leading significant change programs and projects focused on improving the client experience including leading the implementation of Single Touch Payroll. For this he was awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) in the 2022 Australia Day Honours list.