Dr Allison Clarke, Data Profession

‘Through its communities of practice, I’ve had the opportunity to lead working groups and collaborate with brilliant people across government, industry and academia on solutions that have positive impact.’

Joining the APS

Describe your entry into the APS

I joined the APS in 2006 as a graduate at the Department of Health and Ageing, to contribute to Australia’s prosperity, resilience and health. I gained a whole-of-portfolio perspective, and opportunities to inform public hospital policy, chronic disease management and early intervention.

I previously worked in the Information Technology sector for over a decade before joining the APS, and completed my Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology.

I also work in clinical practice as I love improving health and wellbeing at the macro and micro levels.

Your professional career

Describe the meaning and importance of being a ‘professional’ in the APS

Data professionals work with data throughout the data life cycle. We give careful, ethical consideration to complex issues and work to understand stakeholders and their needs. We review designs, build robust solutions, analyse implications and communicate findings to policymakers, program managers, evaluators and regulators.

The APS needs talented data professionals so it can use its data wisely to benefit all Australians. We help safeguard people’s privacy and build their trust in the ability of the APS to use data to improve their lives. This is increasingly important in the face of growing adoption of AI.

How did you become a ‘professional’ in your field?

There are many ways to become a data professional. I trained in AI, IT, research, ethics, statistical and data analysis. I consolidated my learning working across Medicare, hospitals and data analytics, developing a deep understanding of government health priorities and programs at state and national levels.

How do you maintain the required qualifications and standards for being a professional in your field?

With data and AI evolving rapidly, professional development is essential for ensuring we can use new technologies and techniques for the greater good, while preventing and protecting against harm.

As a Clinical and Health Psychologist, who understands how people learn and what we need to make meaningful change, I motivate data professionals to pursue professional and personal growth. This helps people advance their careers and deepen their engagement with the APS.

What do you value most about being a professional in your field?

Data professionals explore and solve a wide range of challenges. Every day presents new opportunities to benefit the health and wellbeing of Australians.

I also enjoy supporting emerging talent through recruiting interns, data cadets and data graduates. Early career professionals bring enthusiasm, new data skills and opportunities to connect with academia. I firmly believe they are key to the APS in the face of increasing demand for data skills.

Which professional experiences or achievements are you most proud of?

Career highlights include working on the APS Data Professionals Employee Value Proposition and APS Data Capability Framework, to help the APS attract, retain and train data professionals. I am also proud of my role in promoting AI adoption, and its potential for enhancing productivity.

I had a lead role in analysing the linked Australian Immunisation Register and the Person Level Integrated Data Asset, which received a Secretary’s Award in 2022 and an APS Data Award in 2023. This reporting helped track COVID-19 vaccination rates, inform programs to increase uptake and lift lockdowns as quickly as possible.

What professional advice would you give your younger self?

Be adaptable, embrace continuous learning, always speak up and don’t be afraid to ask ‘why?’.

Your involvement in the Data Profession

How have you benefited from your involvement in the Data Profession?

With an APS career focused on one department, the Data Profession offers opportunities to influence broader public sector policy and programs. Through its communities of practice, I’ve had the opportunity to lead working groups and collaborate with brilliant people across government, industry and academia on solutions that have positive impact.

I’ve gained skills, knowledge and experience invaluable to my work. Understanding data capabilities, and how they relate to each other, helps me better target training and enhance career pathways.

Find out more

Australian Government (n.d.) Data Profession, APS Professions website, accessed 7 July 2025.