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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 252 results

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 Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

The Australian health system | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Australia’s health system is one of the best in the world, providing safe and affordable health care for all Australians. It is jointly run by all levels of Australian government – federal, state and territory, and local.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Anthrax | healthdirect

Anthrax is rare in Australia. It is a serious bacterial infection you can catch from contact with infected animals or animal products.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Australian bat lyssavirus | Australian Centre for Disease Control

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) causes a rare but serious disease in humans. Anyone bitten or scratched by a bat in Australia should seek urgent medical attention. We monitor and report on human ABLV cases in our community.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Bird flu (avian influenza) | Australian Centre for Disease Control

Bird flu mainly spreads to people from infected birds. Infections in people are rare but can be severe. Stay away from sick or dead birds to protect yourself. We support national monitoring and work alongside animal and environmental authorities to help respond to bird flu.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Barmah Forest virus infection | Australian Centre for Disease Control

Barmah Forest virus infection is spread by mosquitoes. It is usually not serious, but some people have symptoms for many months. Preventing mosquito bites is the best protection. We support national monitoring of Barmah Forest virus infections.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Botulism | Australian Centre for Disease Control

Botulism is a rare disease that affects the nervous system. It can cause death. It most often spreads through contaminated food, soil or dust. Babies under the age of 12 months are most at risk. Good food safety practices are the best protection. We monitor and report on botulism in our community.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Campylobacteriosis | Australian Centre for Disease Control

Campylobacteriosis is a type of bacterial gastroenteritis. It usually spreads to people through contaminated food. It can be serious. Safe food practices and good hygiene are the best protection. We monitor and report on national case numbers and trends.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Chickenpox (varicella) | Australian Centre for Disease Control

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection. It causes an itchy rash and flu-like symptoms. It can be serious. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on chickenpox in our community, including national case numbers and trends.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Chikungunya virus infection | Australian Centre for Disease Control

Chikungunya virus spreads to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. It can be serious. The best protection is to prevent mosquito bites. We support national monitoring of chikungunya, including national case numbers and trends.

Read more on 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.