NCIS

The NCIS is a world first national database of coronial information, which contains data from the coronial files of all Australian states and territories (except Queensland) dating back to 1 July 2000. Queensland data commences from 1 January 2001. The NCIS assists coroners, government agencies and researchers around Australia in obtaining timely and efficient access to coronial data and contributes to a reduction in preventable death and injury in Australia.

Although a number of other countries have expressed the desire to develop a similar database, the NCIS remains the only one of its type in the world.  The NCIS is a “live” database with data being added constantly.  The NCIS receives regular (daily/weekly) uploads of coronial information. As a result, authorised users of the NCIS can access information to gain a picture of trends as they happen. 

The NCIS contains the following information:

• contextual data (date / location of death and incident, intent)
• demographic data
• medical cause of death
• mechanism / objects involved in the death
• full text reports where available of police summary of circumstances, toxicology and autopsy reports, and coronial finding.

The NCIS is funded by a range of Commonwealth agencies including the Australian Institute of Criminology, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, the Department of Treasury (Consumer Affairs), and the National Occupational Health and Safety Committee, as well as each of the State and Territory Justice Departments.

There are a range of products and services available through which users can obtain access to NCIS data for an applicable fee. For further information about the NCIS, please visit the NCIS information web site.