Department of
Health and Community Services

research & statistics

Research is recognised as central to the achievement of DHCS goals. Staff in DHCS conduct research in a range of capacities: as part of their standard work, as staff on specifically identified research projects, or as students. In addition, people external to DHCS are occasionally commissioned by the department to undertake research projects, while other external researchers or students seek permission to conduct research using DHCS data.

The main focus of research in DHCS is on evaluation and applied research that explores effective and efficient approaches to promoting health. There is an inevitably blurred borderline between research and good work practices that incorporate quality assessment. Where the distinction is not clear, DHCS encourages staff to consider their work as research in order to promote a rigorous approach. Most internal DHCS research can be found on the DHCS Health Library catalogue.

Collaborative Research

In recent years an increasing proportion of DHCS research is conducted in collaboration with staff from other organisations.

DHCS is one of six core partners that comprise the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health (CRCATH). Other partners are the Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Flinders University of South Australia, Danila Dilba Medical Services and Central Australian Aboriginal Congress. Much of the DHCS research effort involves work with one or more partners from this group.

In addition, DHCS is increasingly committed to exploring opportunities to collaborate with other organisations at a national level.

Anyone wishing to discuss opportunities to conduct research with or in DHCS is invited to contact the DHCS Research Coordinator on 08 8922 7736.  The Guidelines for Research and Evaluation in DHCS outline the process that must be followed to approve research in or with DHCS. The DHCS Research Coordinator can help identify the relevant people with whom contact should be made.

As the Research Guidelines state, all research must ensure that it remains within ethical guidelines. Research in the Top End of the NT is considered by the Top End Human Research Ethics Committee (TEHREC) and in Central Australia by the Central Australian Ethics Committee (CAHREC).

Statistical reports from the Epidemiology branch are available online. General enquiries regarding Epidemiology can be made through the main switchboard. Statistics regarding service provision information can also be found through the Business Information Management Branch. Further information regarding statistics can be found at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

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