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Person (address)—Australian postcode, code (Postcode datafile) {NNNN}

Identifying and definitional attributes

Metadata item type:Help on this termData Element
Short name:Help on this termPostcode—Australian (person)
Synonymous names:Help on this termAustralian postcode
METEOR identifier:Help on this term287224
Registration status:Help on this term
  • Community Services (retired), Superseded 06/02/2012
  • Early Childhood, Superseded 09/03/2012
  • Health, Superseded 07/12/2011
  • Homelessness, Superseded 30/05/2013
  • Housing assistance, Superseded 30/05/2013
Definition:Help on this termThe numeric descriptor for a postal delivery area, aligned with locality, suburb or place for the address of a person.
Data Element Concept:Person (address)—Australian postcode

Value domain attributes

Representational attributes

Classification scheme:Postcode datafile
Representation class:Help on this termCode
Data type:Help on this termNumber
Format:Help on this term{NNNN}
Maximum character length:Help on this term4

Collection and usage attributes

Comments:Help on this term

Postcode - Australian may be used in the analysis of data on a geographical basis, which involves a conversion from postcodes to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) postal areas. This conversion results in some inaccuracy of information. However, in some data sets postcode is the only geographic identifier, therefore the use of other more accurate indicators (e.g. Statistical Local Area (SLA)) is not always possible.

When dealing with aggregate data, postal areas, converted from postcodes, can be mapped to Australian Standard Geographical Classification codes using an ABS concordance, for example to determine SLAs. It should be noted that such concordances should not be used to determine the SLA of any individual's postcode. Where individual street addresses are available, these can be mapped to ASGC codes (e.g. SLAs).

Data element attributes

Collection and usage attributes

Guide for use:Help on this termThe postcode book is updated more than once annually; as postcodes are a dynamic entity and are constantly changing.
Collection methods:Help on this term

Leave Postcode - Australian blank for:

  • Any overseas address
  • Unknown address
  • No fixed address.

May be collected as part of Address line or separately. Postal addresses may be different from where a person actually resides.

Source and reference attributes

Submitting organisation:Help on this termStandards Australia
Origin:Help on this term

National Health Data Committee

National Community Services Data Committee

Reference documents:Help on this term

AS5017 Health Care Client Identification, 2002, Sydney: Standards Australia

AS4846 Health Care Provider Identification, 2004, Sydney: Standards Australia

AS4846 Health Care Provider Identification, 2006, Sydney: Standards Australia

Australia Post Postcode book. Reference through:

http://www1.auspost.com.au/postcodes/

Relational attributes

Related metadata references:Help on this term
Has been superseded by Address—Australian postcode, Australian postcode code (Postcode datafile - Tasmanian variation) {NNNN}
  • Tasmanian Health, Standard 01/09/2016
Has been superseded by Address—Australian postcode, Australian postcode code (Postcode datafile) {NNNN}
  • Children and Families, Standard 22/11/2016
  • Commonwealth Department of Health, Standard 14/10/2015
  • Community Services (retired), Standard 06/02/2012
  • Disability, Standard 07/10/2014
  • Early Childhood, Superseded 24/07/2018
  • Health, Superseded 05/10/2016
  • Homelessness, Superseded 10/08/2018
  • Housing assistance, Standard 01/05/2013
  • Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, Standard 31/10/2012
  • Indigenous, Superseded 27/02/2018
  • National Health Performance Authority (retired), Retired 01/07/2016
  • Tasmanian Health, Candidate 30/06/2014
  • WA Health, Standard 04/03/2014
Is used in the formation of Dwelling—geographic location, remoteness structure code (ASGC 2004) N[N]
  • Housing assistance, Retired 10/02/2006
Supersedes Person (address)—Australian postcode (Postcode datafile), code NNN[N]
  • Community Services (retired), Superseded 25/08/2005
  • Health, Superseded 04/05/2005
See also Person—Australian state/territory identifier, code N
  • Children and Families, Standard 03/11/2021
  • Health, Standard 16/01/2020
  • Youth Justice, Standard 15/02/2022
See also Person—Australian state/territory identifier, code N
  • ACT Health (retired), Candidate 08/08/2018
  • Children and Families, Superseded 03/11/2021
  • Community Services (retired), Standard 25/08/2005
  • Early Childhood, Standard 21/05/2010
  • Health, Superseded 16/01/2020
  • Homelessness, Standard 01/05/2013
  • Housing assistance, Standard 10/02/2006
  • Tasmanian Health, Incomplete 23/07/2012
Is used in the formation of Person—geographic location, community services code (ASGC 2004) NNNNN
  • Community Services (retired), Superseded 02/05/2006
Implementation in Data Set Specifications:Help on this term
All attributes +

Cardiovascular disease (clinical) DSSHealth, Superseded 15/02/2006

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

The postcode can also be used in association with the Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) index (Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), Australia (CD-ROM) to derive socio-economic disadvantage, which is associated with cardiovascular risk.

People from lower socio-economic groups are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those from higher socio-economic groups. In 1997, people aged 25 - 64 living in the most disadvantaged group of the population died from cardiovascular disease at around twice the rate of those living in the least disadvantaged group (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2001. Heart, stroke and vascular diseases- Australian facts 2001.).

This difference in death rates has existed since at least the 1970s.


Cardiovascular disease (clinical) DSSHealth, Superseded 04/07/2007

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

The postcode can also be used in association with the Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) index (Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), Australia (CD-ROM) to derive socio-economic disadvantage, which is associated with cardiovascular risk.

People from lower socio-economic groups are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those from higher socio-economic groups. In 1997, people aged 25 - 64 living in the most disadvantaged group of the population died from cardiovascular disease at around twice the rate of those living in the least disadvantaged group (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2001. Heart, stroke and vascular diseases- Australian facts 2001.).

This difference in death rates has existed since at least the 1970s.


Cardiovascular disease (clinical) DSSHealth, Superseded 22/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

The postcode can also be used in association with the Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) index (Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), Australia (CD-ROM) to derive socio-economic disadvantage, which is associated with cardiovascular risk.

People from lower socio-economic groups are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those from higher socio-economic groups. In 1997, people aged 25 - 64 living in the most disadvantaged group of the population died from cardiovascular disease at around twice the rate of those living in the least disadvantaged group (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2001. Heart, stroke and vascular diseases- Australian facts 2001.).

This difference in death rates has existed since at least the 1970s.


Cardiovascular disease (clinical) DSSHealth, Superseded 01/09/2012

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

The postcode can also be used in association with the Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) index (Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), Australia (CD-ROM) to derive socio-economic disadvantage, which is associated with cardiovascular risk.

People from lower socio-economic groups are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those from higher socio-economic groups. In 1997, people aged 25 - 64 living in the most disadvantaged group of the population died from cardiovascular disease at around twice the rate of those living in the least disadvantaged group (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2001. Heart, stroke and vascular diseases- Australian facts 2001.).

This difference in death rates has existed since at least the 1970s.


Child protection and support services (CPSS) - out-of-home care NMDS (July 2007)Community Services (retired), Superseded 01/05/2008

DSS specific attributes +

Conditional obligation:

In the Child Protection NMDS, this data element is collected a minimum of three times:

  • the postcode where the child was living at the time of the notification;
  • the numeric descriptor for a postal delivery area aligned with locality, suburb or place and defined by Australia Post for the residential address of the child immediately prior to entering out-of-home care for the first time; and
  • the numeric descriptor for a postal delivery area, aligned with locality, suburb or place and defined by Australia Post for the specific address of the out-of-home care placement.

Child protection and support services (CPSS) - out-of-home care NMDS pilot (2008)Community Services (retired), Retired 06/02/2012

DSS specific attributes +

Conditional obligation:

In the Child Protection NMDS, this data element is collected a minimum of three times:

  • the postcode where the child was living at the time of the notification;
  • the numeric descriptor for a postal delivery area aligned with locality, suburb or place and defined by Australia Post for the residential address of the child immediately prior to entering out-of-home care for the first time; and
  • the numeric descriptor for a postal delivery area, aligned with locality, suburb or place and defined by Australia Post for the specific address of the out-of-home care placement.

Child protection and support services (CPSS) - notifications, investigations, and substantiations NMDS (July 2007)Community Services (retired), Superseded 01/05/2008

DSS specific attributes +

Conditional obligation:

In the Child Protection NMDS, this data element is collected a minimum of three times:

  • the postcode where the child was living at the time of the contact;
  • the numeric descriptor for a postal delivery area aligned with locality, suburb or place and defined by Australia Post for the residential address of the child immediately prior to entering out-of-home care for the first time; and
  • the numeric descriptor for a postal delivery area, aligned with locality, suburb or place and defined by Australia Post for the specific address of the out-of-home care placement.

Child protection and support services (CPSS) - notifications, investigations, and substantiations NMDS pilot (2008)Community Services (retired), Retired 06/02/2012

DSS specific attributes +

Conditional obligation:

In the Child Protection NMDS, this data element is collected a minimum of three times:

  • the postcode where the child was living at the time of the contact;
  • the numeric descriptor for a postal delivery area aligned with locality, suburb or place and defined by Australia Post for the residential address of the child immediately prior to entering out-of-home care for the first time; and
  • the numeric descriptor for a postal delivery area, aligned with locality, suburb or place and defined by Australia Post for the specific address of the out-of-home care placement.

Children's Services NMDSCommunity Services (retired), Superseded 21/05/2010

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In the Children's Services NMDS, this data element is only relevant to children who receive in-home child care services. It refers to the child's in-home address. It is used in conjunction with the data element Suburb/town/locality name (person).


Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement NMDS - 1 July 2006Community Services (retired), Superseded 14/12/2008

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In the CSTDA NMDS, this data element refers to the postcode of a service user's usual residence ('usual' means 4 or more days per week on average).

This data element is used in CSTDA to capture the postcode of the 'geographic location' of a person, not their postal address postcode. The CSTDA NMDS collection defines ‘usual’ as where the person usually resides for four or more days per week on average.


Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement NMDS (July 2008)Community Services (retired), Superseded 11/11/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In the CSTDA NMDS, this data element refers to the postcode of a service user's usual residence ('usual' means 4 or more days per week on average).

This data element is used in CSTDA to capture the postcode of the 'geographic location' of a person, not their postal address postcode. The CSTDA NMDS collection defines ‘usual’ as where the person usually resides for four or more days per week on average.


Computer Assisted Telephone Interview demographic module DSSHealth, Superseded 03/12/2008

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

For data collection using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) the suggested question is:

What is your postcode?

(Single response)

Enter Postcode


Computer Assisted Telephone Interview demographic module NBPDSHealth, Standard 03/12/2008

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

For data collection using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) the suggested question is:

What is your postcode?

(Single response)

Enter Postcode


Disability Services NMDS 2009-10Community Services (retired), Superseded 15/12/2011

DSS specific attributes +

Implementation start date: 01/07/2009

DSS specific information:

In the DS NMDS, this data element refers to the postcode of a service user's usual residence ('usual' means 4 or more days per week on average).

This data element is used in NDA to capture the postcode of the 'geographic location' of a person, not their postal address postcode. The DS NMDS collection defines ‘usual’ as where the person usually resides for four or more days per week on average.


Disability Services NMDS 2010-11Community Services (retired), Superseded 15/12/2011

DSS specific attributes +

Implementation start date: 01/07/2010

DSS specific information:

In the DS NMDS, this data element refers to the postcode of a service user's usual residence ('usual' means 4 or more days per week on average).

This data element is used in NDA to capture the postcode of the 'geographic location' of a person, not their postal address postcode. The DS NMDS collection defines ‘usual’ as where the person usually resides for four or more days per week on average.


Disability Services NMDS 2011-12Community Services (retired), Superseded 13/03/2013

DSS specific attributes +

Implementation start date: 01/07/2011

DSS specific information:

In the DS NMDS, this data element refers to the postcode of a service user's usual residence ('usual' means 4 or more days per week on average).

This data element is used in NDA to capture the postcode of the 'geographic location' of a person, not their postal address postcode. The DS NMDS collection defines ‘usual’ as where the person usually resides for four or more days per week on average.


Early Childhood Education and Care: Unit Record Level NMDS 2010Early Childhood, Superseded 07/06/2011

DSS specific attributes +

Implementation start date: 01/07/2010


Early Childhood Education and Care: Unit Record Level NMDS 2011Early Childhood, Superseded 09/03/2012

DSS specific attributes +

Implementation start date: 01/07/2011

DSS specific information:

Should be reported for the usual residence of the child’s parent or guardian. Do not report the post office box postcode or other non-residential address of the child’s parent or guardian.

Health care client identification DSSHealth, Superseded 03/12/2008

Health care client identification DSSHealth, Retired 20/03/2013

Health care provider identification DSSHealth, Superseded 04/07/2007

Health care provider identification DSSHealth, Superseded 03/12/2008

Health care provider identification DSSHealth, Retired 20/03/2013

Juvenile Justice Detention file clusterCommunity Services (retired), Standard 14/09/2009
Youth Justice, Incomplete 17/05/2022

DSS specific attributes +

Implementation start date: 24/09/2009


Juvenile Justice NMDS 2007Community Services (retired), Superseded 19/05/2010

DSS specific attributes +

Implementation start date: 01/07/2005

DSS specific information:

This data element refers to the postcode of the client's last known home address prior to coming under the supervision or case management of the agency.

This is to be recorded for each client on entry to each juvenile justice episode.
A question to be asked of juvenile justice clients may be ‘where do you live’ or ‘what was your most recent home address’.
A juvenile justice remand/detention centre should not be recorded as the last known home address. The data item refers to last known home address of the client prior to being held in a centre or on supervision.


Registered chiropractic labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

Registered dental and allied dental health professional labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

Registered medical professional labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

Registered midwifery labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

Registered nursing professional labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

Registered optometry labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

Registered osteopathy labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

Registered pharmacy labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

Registered physiotherapy labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

Registered podiatry labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

Registered psychology labour force DSSHealth, Standard 10/12/2009

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In this dataset the data element refers to the postcode of the residential address of a person.

SAAP Client Collection National Minimum Data SetCommunity Services (retired), Retired 01/07/2011

DSS specific attributes +

DSS specific information:

In the SAAP NMDS, the postcode location of the client's last home is recorded. This is defined as the location where the client last lived in a home in which they were safe, for which they had security of tenure, and that was adequate in terms of the amenities or resources necessary for living.

Guide for use

Additional codes used in the SAAP client data collection are:

Code  9998 overseas

Code  0      don't know/no information


Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) clusterCommunity Services (retired), Superseded 07/06/2011
Early Childhood, Superseded 07/06/2011
Health, Candidate 28/04/2010

DSS specific attributes +

Conditional obligation:

Only collected for unit record level collection for Early Childhood Education and Care

Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) clusterCommunity Services (retired), Superseded 07/06/2011
Early Childhood, Superseded 07/06/2011
Health, Candidate 28/04/2010

DSS specific attributes +

Conditional obligation:

Only collected for unit record level collection for Early Childhood Education and Care

Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) cluster 2010Community Services (retired), Superseded 09/03/2012
Early Childhood, Superseded 09/03/2012

DSS specific attributes +

Conditional obligation:

Only collected for unit record level collection for Early Childhood Education and Care

Specialist Homelessness Services NMDS 2011Homelessness, Superseded 01/05/2013
Housing assistance, Superseded 01/05/2013

DSS specific attributes +

Implementation start date: 01/07/2011

DSS specific information:

In the Specialist Homelessness Services NMDS, this data element is reported twice, for:

  • where the person lived one week before the first service contact (the Service episode—episode start date, DDMMYYYY); and
  • where the person lived the last time they had a permanent place to live.

Specialist Homelessness Services NMDS 2012-13Homelessness, Superseded 01/05/2013
Housing assistance, Superseded 01/05/2013

DSS specific attributes +

Implementation start date: 01/07/2012

Implementation end date: 30/06/2013

DSS specific information:

In the Specialist Homelessness Services NMDS, this data element is reported twice, for:

  • where the person lived one week before the first service contact (the Service episode—episode start date, DDMMYYYY); and
  • where the person lived the last time they had a permanent place to live.

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Version 1.0.0+20220520.1