Summary

In the federally-dispersed health system that exists in Australia, strong governance arrangements are needed to ensure that health information, collected under different health administrations, are consistent and therefore accurate and useful for policy, planning and program management.

The governance mechanisms for health information are established under the Australian Health Ministers Conference (AHMC), with particular committees vested with delegated authority to endorse national standards and definitions.

This document provides guidance on engaging with the national processes responsible for health information and data standards.

In particular, it describes how those developing data about some aspect of health can obtain assistance with, or endorsement of, their data development work.