About us
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is an independent corporate Commonwealth entity, established under section 4 of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Act 1987.
We have built our reputation over 30 years in collecting health and welfare data and turning it into authoritative evidence to support better policy and service delivery decisions by government agencies, researchers, policymakers and the community.
During this period, we have earned the respect and trust of our stakeholders as an independent and reliable information management agency that has well established and robust data governance arrangements, a rigorous privacy regime and strict confidentiality protocols.
To build on the achievements of our previous strategic directions for 2017–2022 we have refocused our goals for the next five years.
Our Strategic directions 2022–2026 sets the foundation for the future of the AIHW. It articulates our Vision, confirms our sharpened Purpose, affirms our core Values and highlights our Strategic Goals that will guide our work. As such, our Strategic directions 2022–2026 will be central to our Portfolio Budget Statements, Corporate Plans, Priority Actions, Risk Management Frameworks and Annual reports. It will also be the focus of staff Performance Development Agreements.
Strategic framework
Our vision
Stronger evidence, better decisions, improved health and welfare.
Our purpose
We produce high quality data sets and analysis to support improvements in health and welfare.
Our values
We produce high quality data sets and analysis to support improvements in health and welfare.
Accountable
We are open and accountable to the Australian community under the law and within the framework of Ministerial responsibility.
Respectful
We respect all people, including their rights and their heritage.
Ethical
We demonstrate leadership, are trustworthy and act with integrity in all that we do.
Impartial
We are apolitical and provide the Government with advice that is frank, honest, timely and based on the best available evidence.
Committed to service
We are professional, objective, innovative and efficient, and work collaboratively to achieve the best results for the Australian community and the Government.
Our strategic goals
We have developed four key strategic goals that will shape our direction for the next five years. Each of our strategic goals is underpinned by specific objectives – the key areas of focus we will pursue to achieve each goal.
We will be:
Goal 1
A trusted leader in health and welfare data and analysis
Over the next five years, AIHW will:
1.1 Proactively inform and respond to emerging policy issues
We will help shape the emerging policy landscape by working closely with others to design indicators and measures that inform decision making and assist our partners to achieve their strategic goals.
1.2 Build our reputation as an authoritative source of health and welfare data and analysis
We will continue to capitalise on our expertise to consolidate and strengthen our reputation nationally and internationally as a trusted, accurate and impartial source of health and welfare data.
1.3 Lead the adoption of best practice in data collection, presentation, and analysis
We will work with our partners to continue to improve the availability and quality of health and welfare data, building the capability and capacity of those we work with to ensure Australia’s collections learn from and contribute to international best practice.
Goal 2
Innovative producers of data sets and analysis
Over the next five years, AIHW will:
2.1 Invest in capability and systems to respond quickly to emerging issues and deliver an innovative approach to data and analysis to meet stakeholder needs
Our stakeholders are diverse and include Australian Government, state and territory governments, research communities, non-government organisations and the Australian public. We will innovate, and produce targeted data sets and analysis that is useful to our stakeholders, and which enables them to improve their advice and decision making.
2.2 Identify and fill priority data gaps
We will determine and close priority data gaps through data collection, collation, and analysis of nationally consistent data. We will also seek out opportunities created by data linkage (while protecting privacy), explore new data sets that bring greater insights to health and welfare issues. We will explore options for digitalisation and integration of existing data sources and investment in new systems and collections.
2.3 Facilitate sustainable and secure access to timely, relevant and fit-for-purpose data and analysis
We will enhance and streamline our data governance arrangements to improve availability of data to researchers, decision makers and the broader community. We will ensure strong privacy protections and transparent and ethical decision making.
Goal 3
A strong strategic partner
Over the next five years, AIHW will:
3.1 Expand and deepen our partnerships
We will work with our network of partners to build our data assets and linkages. We will continue to deepen our relationships with our existing partners, including the Australian Government, state and territory governments, the primary healthcare sector, non-government organisations and research communities.
3.2 Enhance our engagement and communications to increase the impact of our work
We will engage with our partners to proactively identify opportunities to provide them with value-added data and analysis.
Goal 4
Recognised for our organisational excellence
Over the next five years, AIHW will:
4.1 Grow our capability and support a high-performing and adaptable workforce
We will continue to invest in our skilled workforce. We will ensure a diverse and adaptable workforce through targeted learning and development opportunities and recruitment and retention practices.
4.2 Expand our program of renewal to ensure provision of high quality technology and tools to deliver our data and analysis
We will adapt to the dynamic technology needs of our staff and stakeholders. We will do this through the delivery of contemporary systems and software that support best practice in the protection, use, management, and sharing of data.