The National Community Services Data Dictionary, Version
1.0, is the first-ever national data dictionary specifically
for community services and marks the first step towards better
community services. The Data Dictionary is released by the
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on behalf of the
Standing Committee of Community Services and Income Security
Administrators (SCCSISA). Mr Joe Christensen, Head of the
Institute's Information Development unit, said that the Dictionary
will enable uniform national data about community services to be
collected.
'Until now there has been no common definitional language about
community services and comparisons-even within states-have been
difficult. By establishing a core set of uniform definitions
relating to each community service sector, this first National
Community Services Data Dictionary should promote uniformity,
availability, reliability, validity, consistency and completeness
in the data.'
'The Dictionary is intended to be an essential tool in ensuring
the quality of Australian community services data. This, in turn,
should lead to people in the community services sector-wherever
they live-being able to provide the best and most appropriate
services for their communities. '
Mr Christensen said that the AIHW is keen to receive feedback
from people who use this first edition of the National
Community Services Data Dictionary. 'Later versions will
incorporate feedback from extensive consultation with specialised
departments, non-government organisations, and people in data
specialist and policy positions. '
'The Dictionary will only achieve its potential if it is
relevant and easy to use. We look forward to contributing to its
enhancement and improvement in later editions,' Mr Christensen
said.
The compilation of the Dictionary was funded by the Institute
and SCCSISA and is an important initiative within the National
Community Services Information Agreement. In it data definitions
are presented according to the National Community Services
Information Model, and in a format based on the international
standard for defining data elements issued by the International
Organization for Standardization.
2 July 1998
Further information: Joe Christensen, ph. 02
6244 1148, Cheryl Trussler, ph. 02 6244 1056, and Laura Reece, ph.
02 6244 1042.
For media copies of the report: Lena Searle, ph.
02 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications Catalogue
for details.