The Population Health Research Network (PHRN) is a ground-breaking program which has created Australia's first national data linkage network. Established with the backing of the Australian Government (as part of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy) and supported by every Australian state and territory, the PHRN has built a network that will enable existing health data from around the nation to be brought together and made available for vital health and health related research purposes. This research enables health care planners, providers and policy makers to respond more effectively to the changing needs of the Australian population.