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Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

The department’s purpose is to support the government to shape Australia’s health, disability and ageing system. It does this through evidence-based policy, well-targeted programs and best-practice regulation, focusing on:

  • health policy, access and support
  • individual health benefits
  • the National Disability Insurance Scheme
  • ageing and aged care.

Vision and mission

The department’s vision is better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.

How the department can help

The department funds and runs programs supporting a wide range of health issues, including mental health, First Nations health, the health workforce, primary care and aged care.

It is also responsible for the policy behind Australia’s medical benefits schemes (such as the Medicare Benefits Schedule, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Child Dental Benefits Schedule). It provides research grants from the Medical Research Future Fund to support future health innovations.

Information lines / help lines

  • Call healthdirect’s helpline 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for advice on your own health.
  • Use the department’s contact information for help with questions about its work.

Programs and apps and tools

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Last reviewed: May 2025

Information from this partner

Found 73 results

Bladder and bowel for children | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Children can often have bladder and bowel health problems. These problems may be developmental or social. Find out what these problems are and how you can manage them.

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Human papillomavirus (HPV) | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Find out how we define and monitor cases of HPV, how you can get vaccinated, and where you can learn more about this disease.

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Pertussis (whooping cough) | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Find out how we define and monitor cases of whooping cough, how you can get vaccinated, and where you can learn more about this disease.

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Pregnancy, birth and baby | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

It’s important that all pregnant women can find the support they need to keep themselves and their babies safe. The health of a baby at birth can affect their wellbeing throughout the rest of their lives. Find out what we’re doing to improve pregnancy, birth and baby health for all Australians.

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Who can be immunised? | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Most people can be immunised, except for people with certain medical conditions and people who are severely allergic (anaphylactic) to vaccine ingredients.

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Immunisation for pregnancy | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Find out about immunisation for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Bladder and bowel for pregnant women | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Being pregnant and giving birth can affect your bladder and bowel heath. Find out what problems you can experience when pregnant and how to manage them.

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Ear health and hearing | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Ear and hearing health is important to health and wellbeing. Untreated hearing loss and ear disease can have a big impact on the lives of children and adults alike. Find out what we’re doing to raise awareness of ear health and help prevent hearing loss in Australia.

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Pertussis (whooping cough) | The Australian Immunisation Handbook

Information about pertussis (whooping cough) disease, vaccines and recommendations for vaccination from the Australian Immunisation Handbook

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Information about the whooping cough vaccine, who they are recommended for and possible side effects. If you're eligible, you can get the whooping cough vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program.

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

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Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.