Data security has always been important for Local Government and government organisations, but in recent years, it’s become non-negotiable for many.
For marketing and communications teams in particular, this has often been a source of real frustration. Many platforms that would otherwise be a perfect fit for communications and marketing work were off-limits simply because data was hosted overseas. IT teams couldn’t approve them if security and compliance requirements weren’t met.
Councils handle large volumes of sensitive information every day. From resident contact details and service requests, to internal documents, campaign data and community feedback. The risk of even a small breach is not worth taking.
Why data security is critical for many organisations
For Local Government and other government organisations, data security isn’t just about best practice. It’s about trust, compliance, and risk management.
Some of the key reasons it matters include:
- Protecting community trust
Residents expect their information to be handled carefully. A data breach can quickly damage trust, especially when councils are responsible for safeguarding personal and sometimes sensitive data. Once trust is lost, it can be difficult to rebuild. - Meeting regulatory and policy requirements
Many government organisations are required to follow strict data governance, privacy, and security frameworks. These often include requirements around where data is stored, how it’s accessed, and who can manage it. For years, this has limited the tools councils could use, particularly cloud-based platforms that hosted data overseas. - Reducing operational and reputational risk
Cybersecurity incidents don’t just impact IT teams. They affect communications, service delivery, and leadership. Having secure systems in place reduces the likelihood of disruptions, public scrutiny, and emergency responses that pull resources away from day-to-day work.
Why data location matters
One of the biggest barriers for councils adopting modern digital tools has been data residency. When data is hosted overseas, it can fall under foreign laws and jurisdictions. This creates uncertainty around access, control, and compliance, and for many government organisations, that uncertainty alone is enough to rule a platform out. As a result, tools that are widely used in the private sector haven’t always been an option for the public sector.
What’s changed: Australian data hosting
Recently, we’ve seen a shift. Platforms like Canva and HubSpot now offer, or will soon offer, Australian data hosting, which has opened the door for many Local Government and government organisations that previously couldn’t use them.
This change means:
- Data can be stored within Australia
- Organisations have greater confidence in compliance and governance
- Risk assessments and approvals are often much simpler
In practical terms, it means councils can now access powerful, easy-to-use tools without compromising on security requirements.
What this means for Local Government teams
Canva
Canva has become a go-to design tool for many councils because it allows non-designers to create on-brand content quickly and consistently. With Australian data hosting on the cards, Canva is a much stronger option for organisations with higher security requirements, making it easier for councils to roll it out across teams with confidence.
HubSpot
HubSpot is widely used for email marketing, CRM, and customer communications. Australian data hosting means councils can use it to manage newsletters, campaigns, and stakeholder communications while aligning with internal security and compliance policies.
Getting onboarding right matters
While Australian data hosting removes a major barrier, successful adoption still depends on how the platform is implemented.
This includes:
- Setting up user access and permissions correctly
- Aligning the platform with internal governance policies
- Ensuring teams are trained and confident using the tools
Without the right setup, even secure platforms can introduce unnecessary risk.
How we can help
We help Local Government and government organisations onboard tools like Canva and HubSpot in a way that’s secure, compliant, and practical.
From initial setup and governance considerations through to training and rollout, we work with your team to make sure the platform works for your organisation and is well-adopted by the team.
If you’re revisiting tools that were previously off-limits due to data hosting concerns, now might be the right time to take another look. If you’d like to chat about Canva, HubSpot, or data security more broadly, feel free to get in touch.