The Australian health sector has been the focus of intense policy debate. Health data is quoted with increasing frequency. Improved measures of the performance of the health system are critical to the development of health policy. A good grasp of the sources of health statistics is therefore a prerequisite for remaining informed in this complex policy area.

This e-brief compiled by Amanda Biggs seeks to inform those with an interest in health policy by providing an introduction to key health statistics that measure the performance of the Australian health system. It provides access to Australian statistical sources with a particular focus on government health expenditure, Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, hospitals, medical workforce and private health insurance. It also provides links to some international comparative data. The e-brief describes the content, frequency and scope of the available statistics. Links to statistical sources and key agencies that produce them are also provided where possible.