This report presents the findings of an investigation of the needs and opportunities for improved surveillance of burns in Australia. An assessment of available data revealed limitations in fulfilling information needs.Through a process of national consultation with Burn Units, a model for an improved national data system was determined. The Australian and New Zealand Burns Association decided to proceed to develop the improved data system based on a common minimum data set provided by the AIHW National Injury Surveillance Unit (NISU) of the Flinders University Research Centre for Injury Studies. The database will be managed by the AIHW NISU.