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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 72 results

Shingles | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Find out how we define and monitor cases of shingles, 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

Hepatitis C | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Find out how we define and monitor cases of hepatitis C, and where you can learn more about this disease.

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

Group A streptococcal disease – invasive (iGAS) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

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

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

Food and nutrition | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Good food and nutrition is important to good health and wellbeing, and reduces the risk of disease. Healthy eating means choosing the right foods and knowing how much to have. Find out what we’re doing to help Australians make healthier food choices.

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

What we're doing to support healthy pregnancies | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

A healthy pregnancy helps your baby grow strong. We provide support before, during and after pregnancy. This includes support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, subsidised vaccination, clinical care and mental health support. We also help parents go alcohol- and smoke-free.

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

About Medicare Urgent Care Clinics | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) are bulk billed, open extended business hours, and you don’t need an appointment or referral.

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

Dental health | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Having healthy teeth, mouth and gums is important for your general health and wellbeing. It means you can eat, drink and speak without pain or discomfort. Find out what we’re doing to support dental health services in Australia.

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

Human papillomavirus (HPV) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

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

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection – invasive only | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Find out how we define and monitor cases of Hib, 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

Diphtheria | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Find out how we define and monitor cases of diphtheria, 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

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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.