Welcome to Behind the data, a podcast from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). In each episode, we sit down with the authors behind our latest reports and data releases, alongside guests from across the health and welfare sectors, to delve beyond the numbers and explore the impact. Through expert insights and lived experience perspectives, we uncover how AIHW data is helping to shape policy, inform decisions and improve lives across Australia.
The AIHW is an independent Australian Government agency and the nation's leading source of authoritative health and welfare information. Each year, we publish more than 200 reports and data products covering over 75 topics, providing trusted evidence to help Australians better understand the health and wellbeing of our communities.
Expanding Australia's understanding of dementia by hearing from people living with it
In this episode, we explore the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's (AIHW) Living with Dementia Survey, which provides new insights into the experiences of people living with dementia in the community and the informal carers who support them.
We're joined by Bronte O'Donnell, Head of the AIHW's Dementia Data Improvement Unit, and Dr Nathan D'Cunha, Associate Professor at the University of Canberra Centre for Ageing Research and Translation.
Resources
Living with Dementia Survey findings
Living with Dementia Carer Survey findings
National Dementia Helpline
University of Canberra Centre for Ageing Research and Translation
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Australia (https://www.cstaustralia.com/)
Step Up for Dementia Research
Associate Professor Dr D'Cunha's University of Canberra research profile
Associate Professor Dr D'Cunha's LinkedIn
Associate Professor Dr D'Cunha's story in The Canberra Times
Credits
Host: Lauren Adcock
Intro and Acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Outro: Joshua Steel
Royalty free music provided by Uppbeat: Blue Sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
5 Aug 2026
A deep dive into the AIHW's homelessness data collection - how we're delivering quality national data for Australia
In this episode, we explore the AIHW's role in collecting, analysing and reporting national data on the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) system. The data helps build a clearer picture of homelessness in Australia and support evidence-based decisions around services and support.
We're joined by Nikki Schroder, Head of the AIHW's Housing and Homelessness Reporting and Development Unit, to share some of the latest findings from our homelessness data collection.
View our latest data on homelessness services: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-welfare-services/homelessness-services/overview
For more information visit our website: www.aihw.gov.au (http://www.aihw.gov.au)
Host: Lauren Adcock
Intro and Acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Outro: Joshua Steel
Royalty free music provided by Uppbeat: Blue Sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
28 Jul 2026
First-of-its-kind data shows improving First Nations cancer outcomes
In this episode, we explore the release of the AIHW's most comprehensive and detailed collection of data on cancer outcomes for First Nations people to date.
We're joined by Justin Harvey, head of the AIHW's Cancer Data and Monitoring Unit, as well as Dr Kate Armstrong, Public Health Physician and Medical Advisor to the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
View the report: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/first-nations-cancer-incidence-mortality-and-survi/cancer-in-first-nations-people-overview
For more information visit: www.aihw.gov.au
Host: Lauren Adcock
Intro and Acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Outro: Joshua Steel
Royalty free music provided by Uppbeat: Blue Sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
9 Jul 2026
A report card on Australia's health in 2026
In this episode, we unpack the findings from Australia's health 2026, the AIHW's 20th flagship report published every 2 years. It provides an overview of the current state of the nation's health as it experiences both progress and challenges.
Head of the AIHW's Flagship Reporting Unit, Melanie Dunford, talks us through the trends shaping health outcomes in Australia, from rising life expectancy and improving cancer survival to the growing impact of chronic conditions, mental health challenges and pressures on the health system.
View the report: www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/australias-health
For more information visit: www.aihw.gov.au
Host: Lauren Adcock
Intro and Acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Outro: Joshua Steel
Royalty free music provided by Uppbeat: Blue Sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
26 Jun 2026
How early detection of bowel cancer is saving lives: unpacking the data
It's the 20th anniversary of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Since the program begun in 2006, about 14.3 million screening tests have been completed.
The AIHW has just published the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program monitoring report 2026 and the head of the Screening and Analysis Unit, Moira Hewitt takes us through the latest insights.
Joining the conversation is Professor Vivienne Milch, Medical Director at Cancer Australia and Medical Advisor on cancer screening policy to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
View the report: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer-screening/nbcsp-monitoring-2025/contents/summary
Learn more about the program and how to request a testing kit: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program?language=en
For more information visit: www.aihw.gov.au (https://www.aihw.gov.au)
Host: Lauren Adcock
Intro and Acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Outro: Joshua Steel
Royalty free music provided by Uppbeat: Blue Sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
18 Jun 2026
Deaths in Australia: what the data reveals about dementia and other leading causes of death
Today's discussion is centred around the AIHW's newly released Deaths in Australia report.
Michelle Gourley, head of Burden of Disease Unit, brings key insights from the report, including that dementia has overtaken coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death, and that while most deaths occur at older ages, almost half of deaths among people under 75 are potentially avoidable. The conversation also explores how causes of death have shifted over time toward more complex, chronic and age-related conditions and the implications this has for the health system.
Dementia Australia advocate, Dr Debra Graves OAM also joins us for the discussion. Debra provides a personal perspective on dementia and prevention.
"To dementia with love: dealing with denial, diagnosis, daily life with dignity, and untimely death", co-authored by Dr Debra Graves OAM, is available from the Dementia Australia Library.
For more information visit: www.aihw.gov.au (https://www.aihw.gov.au/)
Host: Lauren Adcock
Intro and Acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Outro: Joshua Steel
Royalty free music provided by Uppbeat: Blue Sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
28 May 2026
The 'silent killer' connected to coronary heart diseases and strokes
It's May Measurement Month and today's discussion focuses on a medical condition known as the 'silent killer, due to lack of symptoms. In 2024, high blood pressure presented a risk factor to 4.4% of Australia's total disease burden and contributed to 13% of all deaths in Australia in 2023.
To support greater awareness about the potentially significant impacts of hypertension, the institute has just released a new report - Hyptertension in Australia. Head of the institute's cardiovascular, diabetes and kidney unit Heidi Dietz and senior data analyst Dian Xu share their insights into the report. With hypertension contributing to around 37% of strokes, Stroke Foundation CEO Lisa Murphy also joins the chat to shed light on signs, symptoms and risk factors of strokes.
Host: Lauren Adcock
Intro and Acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Outro: Josh Steel
For more information visit: www.aihw.gov.au
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/swoop/blue-sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
15 May 2026
Increase in palliative care-related hospitalisations reflects expanding role of end of life services
The Palliative care services in Australia – update shows end-of-life health service use has been steadily increasing in hospitals and outpatient settings, along with the costs to provide them. In this episode head of the AIHW's Aged Care Data Unit Dinesh Indraharan talks on the expanding role of palliative care within Australia's health system as the population ages.
We also hear the end of life care services journey Interim CEO of Palliative Care Australia, Simon Waring experienced. Simon's son Marmaduke was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at fifteen months, and died three years later just five weeks after his wife Millsom succumbed to breast cancer.
You can watch Marmaduke's Story here Marmaduke's Story - Palliative Care Australia
Find out more about Palliative Care Australia
Host: Lauren Adcock
Intro and Acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Outro: Josh Steel
For more information visit: www.aihw.gov.au
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/swoop/blue-sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
13 Apr 2026
More Australians hospitalised from falling
AIHW data shows falls are landing thousands of Australians in hospital each month. April is Falls Prevention month, providing the opportunity to discuss fall types and resulting injuries.
Stats show about 680 people a day are hospitalised after tripping or stumbling, and that in the decade up to 2022-2023, over half of all injury deaths were due to falls among women aged 65 years and over.
Joining this episode are Jacqueline Rek who heads up the institute's injury data team and Roisin Sweeney, General Manager of Injury Prevention.
Host: Lauren Adcock
Intro and Acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Outro: Josh Steel
For more information visit: www.aihw.gov.au
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/swoop/blue-sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
25 Mar 2026
Greater awareness leading to earlier endometriosis diagnoses
This episode features the latest data on endometriosis - a condition that impacts thousands of Australian girls and women.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to speak about the deep-reaching impact of this potentially debilitating health condition including number of emergency department presentations, hospitalisations and medical treatments and procedures.
Two of the institute's data experts join the discussion – Richard Hurley, head of the Chronic Conditions Unit and Melissa Wilson, Senior Data Analyst as well as Donna Ciccia, Deputy Chair and Co-founder of Endometriosis Australia.
Host: Lauren Adcock
Intro and Acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Outro: Josh Steel
For more information visit: www.aihw.gov.au (https://www.aihw.gov.au)
The AIHW acknowledges endometriosis can affect women and girls, transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people assigned female at birth.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/swoop/blue-sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
25 Feb 2026
Data shows Australia's cancer survival rates improving
In this episode, we take a look at ovarian, prostate and breast cancer statistics in Australia. The institute's head of cancer data and monitoring, Justin Harvey discusses how cancer survival rates have improved across the board. Justin's joined by Chair of Cancer Council's Public Health Committee, Anita Dessaix who speaks on how the AIHW's data is used to support targeted cancer screening and prevention initiatives.
For more information about the AIHW visit www.aihw.gov.au (https://www.aihw.gov.au)
Credits
Host: Lauren Adcock
Opener & acknowledgement of Country: Jasmine Dempsey
Closer: Joshua Steel
Interviewees: Justin Harvey, head of AIHW cancer and data monitoring unit & Anita Dessaix, Chair of the Cancer Council's Public Health Committee
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/swoop/blue-sea
License code: EXRIELMIAGDYIWRK
30 Jun 2021
What's it like to be an AIHW graduate?
Meet the graduates... behind the data
In this special episode, guest host and 2021 AIHW Graduate Kimberly Dunbar is joined by Sally Mills, head of the Children & Families Unit who also started out as an AIHW Grad. They discuss their experiences with the AIHW Graduate Program.
Kick start your career in data
Applications for our 2022 Graduate Program are now open! About to complete a degree in science, public health or mathematics? Interested in the health and wellbeing of our community? Find out more or APPLY NOW by 11 July 2021: https://aihw.gov.au/gradprogram
24 Jun 2021
Australia's youth
In this episode of Behind the data, host Elise Guy discusses the health and wellbeing of Australia's young people with Sally Mills of the AIHW's Children and Families Unit.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is an independent government agency that produces authoritative and accessible information and statistics on the health and welfare of Australians. The AIHW publicly released over 200 reports and data analyses annually, covering over 75 health and welfare topics.
Credits
Presenter: Elise Guy
Interviewees: Sally Mills, AIHW Children and Families Unit
Producers: Tanya Li
Music: Bensound
21 Apr 2021
Dementia mortality during COVID-19 in Australia
In this episode of Behind the data, host Elise Guy discusses dementia deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic with Dr. Fleur de Crespigny of the AIHW's Dementia Unit.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is an independent government agency that produces authoritative and accessible information and statistics on the health and welfare of Australians. The AIHW publicly released over 200 reports and data analyses annually, covering over 75 health and welfare topics.
Credits
Presenter: Elise Guy
Interviewees: Fleur de Crespigny, AIHW Dementia Unit
Producers: Tanya Li, Peter Jean
Music: Bensound (https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music)
24 Mar 2021
Golden staph bloodstream infections in Australian public hospitals
In this episode of Behind the data, host Peter Jean talks to Dr Heather Swanston of the AIHW's Hospital Systems Group about golden staph bloodstream infections associated with hospital care in Australia.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (https://www.aihw.gov.au/) is an independent government agency that produces authoritative and accessible information and statistics on the health and welfare of Australians. The AIHW publicly released over 200 reports and data analyses annually, covering over 75 health and welfare topics.
Credits
Presenter: Peter Jean
Interviewees: Dr Heather Swanston, Unit Head, Performance Indicators & Quality, Hospital Systems Group
Producers: Tanya Li, Elise Guy
Music credit: Bensound
16 Dec 2020
Looking back at health in 2020
Content Warning: This podcast episode contains discussion relating to suicide from 17:45 – 18:28. If you, or someone you know is distressed, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au (http://lifeline.org.au/).
In this episode of Behind the data, host Peter Jean discusses the AIHW's final releases of the year which examine the impact of COVID-19 on Australia's health system—including mental health, elective surgery, emergency department presentations, MBS & PBS use, hand hygiene in hospitals and cancer screening—with Adrian Webster and Matthew James of the AIHW.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (https://www.aihw.gov.au/) is an independent government agency that produces authoritative and accessible information and statistics on the health and welfare of Australians. The AIHW publicly released over 200 reports and data analyses annually, covering over 75 health and welfare topics.
Credits
Presenter: Peter Jean
Interviewees: Adrian Webster, Head of Health Systems Group | Matthew James, Deputy CEO
Producers: Tanya Li, Elise Guy
Music credit: Bensound
24 Nov 2020
Exploring the short-term health impacts of the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season
The 2019–20 bushfire season saw unprecedented fires sweep across Australia, with devastating impacts on many communities, the destruction of the natural environment and air quality compromised. Tragically, 33 people lost their lives.
In this episode of Behind the data, host Peter Jean discusses the release of the AIHW's new report 'Australian bushfires 2019–20: exploring the short-term health impacts' with Richard Juckes and Claire Sparke of the AIHW.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (https://www.aihw.gov.au/) is an independent government agency that produces authoritative and accessible information and statistics on the health and welfare of Australians. The AIHW publicly released over 200 reports and data analyses annually, covering over 75 health and welfare topics.
Credits
Presenter: Peter Jean
Interviewees: Richard Juckes, Head of AIHW Health Group | Claire Sparke, Head of AIHW Population Health Unit
Producers: Tanya Li, Elise Guy
Music credit: Bensound
7 Oct 2020
Cancer screening and COVID-19 in Australia
In this episode of Behind the data, host Peter Jean discusses the release of the AIHW's new report 'Cancer screening and COVID-19 in Australia' with Richard Juckes and Fan Xiang of the AIHW.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (https://www.aihw.gov.au/) is an independent government agency that produces authoritative and accessible information and statistics on the health and welfare of Australians. The AIHW publicly released over 200 reports and data analyses annually, covering over 75 health and welfare topics.
Credits
Presenter: Peter Jean
Interviewees: Richard Juckes, Head of AIHW Health Group | Fan Xiang, Head of AIHW Screening Analysis and Monitoring Unit
Producers: Tanya Li, Elise Guy
Music credit: Bensound
23 Jul 2020
Australia's health 2020
In this episode of Behind the data, we discuss COVID-19, the release of Australia's health 2020, and speak with Dr Lynelle Moon, epidemiology advisor, and Simone Brown of the AIHW.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (https://www.aihw.gov.au/) is an independent government agency that produces authoritative and accessible information and statistics on the health and welfare of Australians. The AIHW publicly released over 200 reports and data analyses annually, covering over 75 health and welfare topics.
Music credit: Bensound
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