Annual changes process

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Each year the Department of Health reviews the data elements and format of its key health services data collections.

This review - the annual change process - seeks to ensure that health data collected in Victoria:

  • supports the department's state and national reporting obligations
  • assists planning and policy development
  • reflects changes in hospital funding and service provision arrangements for the coming financial year
  • incorporates appropriate feedback from data providers on improvements.

The annual change process is managed by Data Services and is governed by the Department's Annual Changes Governance Committee (ACGC).

The annual change process

This year the only proposed data collection changes that will be considered are those deemed essential to meet our national reporting obligations or key government priorities for 2027-28.

Annual changes are approved by the Deputy Secretary, Health System Reform & Partnerships based upon recommendations by the ACGC.

The approved changes are documented as specifications for revisions and are distributed (through the HDSS bulletin distribution list) no later than 31 December each year for implementation by 1 July of the following year. The specification documents are published by mid-January each year.

Notification of any additional changes are published in the HDSS Bulletin.

Annual changes 2027-28 proposals

The Department of Health invites feedback from Health Information Managers, Data Submission Officers, Software Vendors, and data users on the proposals below:

Proposal for revisions across multiple data collections for 2027-28
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Proposal for revisions to VAED for 2027-28
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Proposal for revisions to VEMD for 2027-28
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Proposal for revisions to ESIS for 2027-28
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Proposals for revisions to VINAH MDS for 2027-28
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Proposal for revisions to NADC for 2027-28
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Proposals for revisions to AIMS for 2027-28
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There are no proposals for VCDC.

The department is interested in receiving feedback on the proposed changes and potential impact to health services with a focus on collectability and implementation. Submit your feedback via Annual Changes 2027-28 Sector Feedback Form by 5pm Tuesday 20 October 2026.

If you have trouble accessing the published Annual Changes proposals or feedback form, please send an email hdss.helpdesk@health.vic.gov.au for assistance.

Timetable for data collection changes 2027-28
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Updated 14 July 2026
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Archive

For last year's revision, visit Annual changes archive.

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