Rohan Samaraweera leads the Data Science branch at the Department Of Home Affairs. The branch was established in 2019 to mature, modernise and broaden Department artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science capabilities. Under his leadership the branch has evolved into an agile and adaptive team leveraging the unique data, expertise, and intersecting missions within the Department to create public good. The branch continues to expand its analytics capabilities and services to support a broader range of portfolio areas, domestic and international partners.
Rohan maintains a strong focus on impact of AI and digital technologies on government institutions, AI ethics and public sector innovation challenges. He is also a committed advocate of building public sector human capability through vocational training pathways and non-traditional talent pipelines.
Prior to joining Home Affairs in 2016, Rohan had a career as a Signals Intelligence Officer with the Australian Signals Directorate, operating in the nexus between data, technology and intelligence tradecraft in support of military and counter-terrorism operations.