MEL | Data Privacy Roundtable

In Australia, the healthcare sector is rapidly undergoing digital transformation. Practitioners increasingly rely on connected medical devices and digital health solutions to monitor, diagnose, and treat patients. Companies use more and more digital solutions to accelerate research and clinical trials. These technologies generate and transmit vast amounts of sensitive health data, making robust data protection essential to preserve patient privacy and defend against cyber threats.

However, regulatory and governance frameworks are struggling to keep pace with technological change. While Australia has strong privacy and health data laws, accountability for safeguarding sensitive data remains fragmented across providers, vendors, and regulators. This uncertainty, combined with hesitance among some end users to adopt new technologies, can slow progress.

Another major challenge is the lack of standardisation and mandated interoperability across digital health platforms. Without unified standards, healthcare providers face added complexity, potential security gaps, and difficulty implementing a consistent security framework. As digital health adoption accelerates, clear governance, stronger interoperability standards, and consistent cybersecurity practices will be critical to building trust and resilience.

The discussion led by Kaustubh Vazalwar, Director, Cyber Security & Privacy Risk Services at RSM Australia, aims to include stakeholders in health and digital health, but also warmly invites other industry stakeholders curious about data privacy and governance in critical infrastructure.

The roundtable will be kindly hosted by our member RSM Australia. Light breakfast will be provided.