FRDC requires mechanisms to assess and govern the data for which it is custodian or may become custodian of. FRDC requires a data governance framework that builds on the concepts of the NFF Farm Data Code and other Agricultural data best practices for use by FRDC data stakeholders. A data governance framework will ensure that FRDC BAU and project data is captured, managed and distributed with accountability, consistency, security and meets defined standards throughout the data lifecycle. As a coordinating industry body, it is essential that FRDC leads the way with a robust, considered approach to data management. This will place FRDC as a best practice example, it will enable consistent discussion and guidance to stakeholders and data partners and will provide a consistent foundation for overall trust and capability in the use of data as well as providing a foundation for the FRDC to maximise the value of data created through the Australian innovation system. It is expected that subsets of the FRDC data governance framework will be developed in the future to extend support to FRDC stakeholderss.

The project developed to address the call for EOI recognises that the seafood workforce is diverse and operates within a changing natural, technological, and socioeconomic environment, providing unique challenges and opportunities. The seafood workforce also, however, operates within the wider Australian economy where rural and regional employment, small-medium business operations, and increasing value-adding opportunities are common topics of interest. The project proposes to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current data framework, make recommendations for improving it, and develop a baseline workforce dataset. The focus will be on the potential to use existing sources of data (particularly administrative data collected by government institutions and data that is required to be collected) and how and when those need to be effectively complemented with additional data. Administrative data are confidential and access limited as is the variety of seafood industry data often collected. Accessing administrative data is explicitly part of this proposal and identifying the sources of, and the type of data available, from industry surveys.