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Welcome to HL7 Australia

Welcome to HL7 Australia. We are a membership-based not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee that exists to facilitate adoption of e-health in Australia by promoting effective use of standards and products developed by HL7 International and supporting their enhancement to meet local needs.

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Health Level Seven® International (HL7®) is the global authority on standards for interoperability of health technology with members in over 40 countries.

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About HL7 Australia

Australia has been an early driver for the internationalisation of HL7.

HL7 Australia began in Australia in 1998 under the auspices of Standards Australia IT-14 Health Informatics Committee.

In May 2002, it was first incorporated independently as the HL7 Australasia User Group.

In March 2010 the name changed to HL7 Australia;  and in December 2019 HL7 restructured, becoming a limited company.

HL7 Australia Ltd remains the local affiliate of HL7 International. Our members are representative of those using and benefiting from HL7 Standards in Australia. 

HL7 Australia Ltd continues to make an important and significant contribution to the work of HL7 International and global health informatics standards development more generally.

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Mission

We create and promote the adoption of cutting-edge, consensus-based interoperability standards that enable a digitally enabled, person-centred, inclusive, and data-driven health ecosystem.

Vision

By 2029, we aspire:

  • To be recognised as a critical partner in the digital transformation of the Australian health ecosystem.
  • For HL7 and HL7 Australia standards to underpin the provision of secure, fit-for-purpose, and connected digital solutions nationwide.
  • For the Australian healthcare sector to recognise us as the leading health informatics standards development and implementation organisation in Australia.


Strategy

Over 2025, the HL7 Australia Board developed two foundational documents: our Business and Operating Models, and our Strategy 2025-2029. These documents outline how HL7 Australia creates, captures, and delivers value, and how we’re structured to achieve our mission and vision within evolving contexts.

The Australian Government, aligned with global trends, prioritises standards-based interoperability, with HL7 FHIR® as a core component, to transform and improve our health system. This direction has been embraced by the health and health software sectors, evidenced by the success of the Sparked program—a collaboration between the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Australian Digital Health Agency, HL7 Australia, and the CSIRO—in accelerating FHIR development and implementation through strong stakeholder engagement.

These developments necessitate HL7 Australia’s transition from a provider of optional standards to an engaged supplier of critical health sector infrastructure. Our foundational documents detail this strategic shift.

Access these documents here:

Our Strategic Priorities

Our Strategy 2025-2029 identifies seven key result areas crucial to achieving our vision:

  1. Membership Growth: Substantially grow our membership by enhancing value to members and partners.
  2. Standards Development Pathways: Provide diverse and effective pathways for consensus-based HL7 standards development.
  3. National Standards Leadership: Lead the development of the HL7 component within a national standards roadmap.
  4. Premier Events: Deliver Australia’s best standards development, adoption, and implementation events.
  5. Workforce Capability: Systematically build HL7 workforce capabilities in Australia.
  6. Infrastructure Modernisation: Modernise our infrastructure to increase value for members and partners.
  7. Organisational Maturity: Enhance our organisational maturity and sustainability.

 

Next Steps

We welcome your feedback on both our Business and Operating Models and Strategy 2025-2029 via email to Chair@hl7.com.au. 

The HL7 Australia Board is finalising the strategic implementation pathway and schedule, with a new strategic plan to be published following our next planning session in early September 2025.

Strategic Plan 2025-2029

Access here

Business Operating Models

Access here

HL7 Australia Limited (ABN 37 629 010 297)

Constitution and Policies

HL7 Australia Limited (HL7 Australia) is incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) as an Australian public company limited by guarantee and is governed in accordance with its Constitution and By-laws.

To view the Constitution of HL7 Australia Limited click here.

To view the latest version of the By-laws of HL7 Australia click here.

In order to carry out its functions and activities, HL7 Australia collects, holds, uses and discloses personal information as set out in its Privacy Policy, and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.  To view a copy of the HL7 Australia Privacy Policy click here.

Standards and other intellectual property held by HL7 Australia represent goodwill created by our members, collaborators and stakeholders over many years. To protect the contributions of our stakeholders and the rights of HL7 Australia, the acquisition, use and distribution of HL7 Australia copyright material and trademarks are subject to the HL7 Australia Intellectual Property Policy, the latest edition of which may be accessed here.

Under its affiliate agreement with Health Level Seven International (“HL7 International”), HL7 Australia is recognized as the HL7 Affiliate for Australia, which gives HL7 Australia and its members rights to participate directly in HL7 International’s standards development work to take part in other HL7 International activities and to access and use its standards.  More information on HL7 International and its activities may be accessed here.

Trademarks owned by HL7 International include; HL7®, HEALTH LEVEL SEVEN®, FHIR® and the FHIR flame design. Any use of HL7 International’s intellectual property and trademarks should comply with HL7 International’s IP Policy, Guide to Using HL7 Trademarks and the FHIR Trademark Policy.

Your use of HL7 Australia facilities (including this website and other HL7 Australia web pages as identified in the HL7 Australia IP Policy), your access to and use of HL7 Australia standards and other publications, and your participation in HL7 Australia activities is subject to your agreement to applicable terms and conditions as set out in the HL7 Australia Constitution, the HL7 Australia By-laws, the policies identified above, and any specific terms and conditions, notices or licenses applicable to such use of facilities, access and use of publications, or participation in activities.

HL7 Australia Governance & Operations Manual (AU-GOM)

The HL7 Australia Governance and Operations Manual (AU-GOM) defines standard operating procedures and various policies created to clarify, support, and/or implement the HL7 Australia By-laws and the HL7 Australia Constitution. Like the HL7 International Governance and Operations Manual, the AU-GOM is established to assure the uniformity, equity, quality, efficiency, and compliance of administrative and organisational activities through standard methods and guidelines.  
Following consultation with HL7 Australia members, this version (0.1) of the AU-GOM has been approved by the HL7 Australia Board. The HL7 Australia Board is currently working on implementation steps towards operationalising the AU-GOM. Following operationalisation (and any required changes), the version of the AU-GOM will be updated to version 1.0.

Click here to view the HL7 Australia Governance & Operations Manual (AU-GOM) v0.1

HL7 Australia Board

The HL7 Australia Board is a volunteer board responsible for supporting a collaborative and open community in Australia to develop interoperability standards.

The members of the HL7 Australia Board for 2025/26 are:

David Rowlands

HL7 Australia Chair


Managing Director, Digital Health Leadership Australasia

Term expires: AGM 2026

Isobel Frean

HL7 Australia Company Secretary


Senior Consultant, Digital Health CRC


Term expires: AGM 2026

J. Richard Dixon Hughes

General Director


Managing Director, DH4 Pty Ltd


Term expires: AGM 2026

Leigh Donoghue

General Director


Managing Director, Bus Stop Thinking


Term expires: AGM 2026

Kate Ebrill

General Director


Product and Services Lead - Interoperability, CSIRO

Term expires: AGM 2025

Reuben Daniels

General Director


Principal Consultant, Saludax


Term expires: AGM 2025

Peter Sprivulis

General Director


Chief Clinical Information Officer at Department of Health (WA Health)

Term expires: AGM 2026

Andy Bond

General Director


Interoperability Lead​, Magentus


Term expires: AGM 2026

FHIR Management Framework for the governance of FHIR standards development in Australia

The Australian FHIR Management Framework is established to govern FHIR standards development in Australia. Its aim is to take HL7 International processes and apply them to the Australian environment. The goal is to consolidate, expand and enhance the Australian FHIR community in developing and supporting healthcare interoperability.
 
The AFMF comprises an Australian FHIR Community Process (AFCP) modelled heavily on and consistent with HL7 International’s FCP Community Process and is guided and managed by an Australian FHIR Coordination Committee (AFCC), a committee delegated by HL7 Australia to oversee the ongoing development and application of the AFMF.
 
The audience for the framework is those currently or looking to become engaged in the development and implementation of FHIR specifications and those analysing or supporting digital health standardisation in Australia. 
 
Following a public review, version 2.0 of the AFMF is now available, describing both the AFCP and the AFCC in further detail. You can provide comments using the following avenues:
 
Read the latest AFMF 2024-2025 Annual Report here. 

Click here to view the Australian FHIR Management Framework v2.0 Public Version

HL7 Australia Standards Work Groups

HL7 Australia has two Work Groups, broadly modelled after their HL7 International counterparts, these are:

  • FHIR Work Group
  • HL7V2 Work Group

HL7 Australia Work Groups, modelled after their HL7 International counterparts are:  

FHIR Work Group (FWG): oversees and coordinates the technical efforts related to the development of HL7 FHIR standards in Australia.  

The FWG oversees the development of AU-realm specific HL7 FHIR consensus-based standards specifications.

The FWG develops and maintains the processes HL7 AU follows to develop standards. The broad structure is based on HL7 International and the separation of governance, management, and methodology.

The FWG oversees the development of methodologies and work processes to be used by the Work Group in developing HL7 consensus-based standards specifications.

The FWG Co-chairs are:

 

Refer to HL7 Australia’s Work Group Governance for more information on Co-chair appointments. 

HL7 V2 Work Group (HL7V2WG): oversees and coordinates the technical efforts related to the development of HL7 V2 standards in Australia.

The HL7V2WG will maintain and align V2 content with national requirements.

If you are interested in nominating as a co-chair, please email us at admin@hl7.com.au

The Board of HL7 Australia expresses thanks to individuals and their supporting organisations for their participation and contribution to the development of Australian standards in healthcare.

Events

The Board is planning a program of monthly events for members and interested parties. Keep an eye on our News posts and LinkedIn Company Page for updates.

Upcoming Events 

To view the HL7 International calendar of events please click here.

Interested in sponsoring an HL7 Australia Event? Get in touch with our Event’s team here.

What’s on next?
 
2025 HL7 Australia FHIR Connectathon | MELBOURNE | Stay tuned for more updates

Past Events

2025 HL7 Australia FHIR Connectathon BRISBANE 1-2 September 2025 | Details and agenda here

2025 HL7 Australia AGM Brisbane 1 September 2025 | Details here

HL7 Australia FHIR Work Group Meetings 18 March 2025 | Details and agenda here. 

2025 Trans-Tasman Symposium 18 March 2025 | Details and agenda here

2025 HL7 Australia FHIR Sydney Connectathon 19-20 March 2025 | Details and agenda here. 

Webinar: Joint Australian & New Zealand debrief on the September 2024 HL7 FHIR Connectathon & Working Group Meeting +(WGM+) 15 October 2024 | Details and agenda here.

HL7 Australia Annual General Meeting 2024 + AFCC Information Session 21 August 2024 | Slides | Recording.

AU FHIR Work Group + Sparked Technical Design Groups 20 August 2024 | Details.

HL7 Australia Ballot Participation Information Session 16 August 2024 | Details.

Webinar: Overview Australian & New Zealand experiences of the May 2024 HL7 Working Group Meeting (WGM) 5 June 2024 | Details.

HL7 AU & HL7 NZ Joint Symposium 2024 20 March 2024 | Details.   

HL7 Australia & HL7 New Zealand Debrief on HL7 International Jan 2024 WGM 8 February 2024 | Details.

HL7 Australia Annual General Meeting 2023 6 September 2023 | Slides

HL7 Australia – Building FHIR Implementations in Australia 6 September 2023 | Recording | Slides

Australian & New Zealand experiences of the September 2023 HL7 International Connectathon & Working Group Meeting (WGM) in Phoenix, USA 29 September 2023

Connectathons

Getting the most from HL7 Australia FHIR Connectathons

If you have never participated in an HL7 Australia FHIR Connectathon or if you are about to attend your first Connectathon and want to know what to expect, read our Guide to getting the most from HL7 Australia Connectathons here.

Track Leads

If you are familiar with Connectathons and would like to propose a new Track to examine, write code or test a specific specification, we encourage you to submit a track proposal. Anyone is welcome to submit a Track Proposal for an HL7 Australia FHIR Connectathon. Track proposals are generally requested from 12-8 weeks prior to one of the scheduled Connectathon events. They are reviewed and confirmed by the HL7 Australia events coordinator 8-6 weeks prior to the Connectathon. To find the track proposal deadline and the associated track template, get in touch with our Events Team here.

Upcoming Connectathons

HL7 Australia hosts at least three FHIR Connectathon events each year. These are ticketed events and are advertised here, on our HL7 Australia Confluence page. 

2025 HL7 Australia FHIR Connectathon | MELBOURNE | Stay tuned for more updates 

Past Connectathons

View all here.  

 
If you’re interested in sponsoring a Connectathon, please get in touch with our Events Team here


Training

In the past two years, through its partnership with the University of Melbourne and CSIRO, and with funding from the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), HL7 Australia has trained in excess of 1,000 individuals in the use of FHIR.
 
We are proud of this partnership which has developed and delivered a range of courses from introducing FHIR to healthcare leaders and project managers to courses providing software developers with an understanding of FHIR fundamentals and an introduction to SMART on FHIR.
 
Going forward, expressions of interest for Agency funded FHIR training courses will transfer from HL7 Australia to the ADHA directly. For information on future Agency funded FHIR training please go here.
 

Honorary Life Members

In recognition of their sustained contribution and commitment to the development of HL7 standards, HL7 Australia recognises the following individuals as honorary life members:

  • Grahame Grieve
  • Heather Grain
  • Vince McCauley
  • Richard Dixon-Hughes
  • Trish Williams

 

Life Membership is conferred on an individual by the Board (by simple majority) at a General Meeting.

Upcoming Events

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Legal Obligations of HL7 Australia Membership

Since 2019, HL7 Australia as an association limited by guarantee which places us under federal legislation that clearly outlines all member and director rights and responsibilities. We suggest you familiarise yourself with the rules governing our new association here.

We wish to draw your attention to the obligation that HL7 Australia now carries to make primary contact details of all members available to every member. This is to allow any member to gain enough support to call a General Meeting. By becoming a member, you agree to your contact details being shared in line with federal legislation.

To view our by-laws click here.

To view our Constitution click here.

Become a member with HL7 Australia here or learn more about the Membership here.

Standards

HL7 standards support clinical practice and the management, delivery, and evaluation of health services, and are recognized as the most commonly used in the world.

To view and access HL7 International Standards click here.
 
To view the list of active HL7 International work groups click here.
 
For more information about the HL7 standards process, please read Understanding the Standards Process.

To access localised HL7 standards and the Australian Base FHIR Implementation Guide click here.

News

Resources and FAQs

FAQs

  1. Free access to HL7 standards documentation, including those developed in Australia, the USA or by any other HL7 International Affiliate.
  2. Members-only access to the main HL7 website in the USA.
  3. Reduced membership rates for attendance at any HL7 meeting which have a charge (including those outside Australia).
  4. Free attendance at all HL7 Australia meetings (other than those which carry a surcharge).
  5. Learn more about the HL7 Australia Membership here.
  6. Become a member here.

The liability of members is limited to $10, a one-off fee we include at the time of initial joining.  

Resources

We acknowledge and thank our Partner members

We thank our Benefactors

We thank our Gold Members

We thank our Silver Members

Contact Us

HL7 Australia Secretariat

Secretariat
HL7 Australia Ltd
Tower 2 Darling Park Level 16
201 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Email:   secretary@hl7.com.au 

HL7 International

Health Level Seven International.
Suite 227
3300 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
Tel: +1 734 677 7777
Email: hq@hl7.org Web: www.hl7.org