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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

For pregnancy | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Being active during and after pregnancy is essential for the good health and wellbeing of both you and your baby. You should continue to follow the guidelines for adults, and add pelvic floor exercises. But you might need to modify the exercises you do as your body changes during pregnancy.

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

For infants, toddlers and preschoolers (birth to 5 years) | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Being active is important for babies and young children to grow healthy, and sets good habits for life. Read about how much activity small children should do each day, limiting sitting time, avoiding screens, and making sure they get enough sleep.

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

Diphtheria | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

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

Meningococcal disease – invasive | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Find out how we define and monitor cases of meningococcal disease, 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, Disability and Ageing

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

Vaccines | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

This page provides links to information about vaccines available to protect against diseases covered under the National Immunisation Program.

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

How we support breastfeeding and infant nutrition | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

The nutrition a baby receives can help give them the best start to life. Find out how we’re supporting breastfeeding and infant feeding.

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

Reproductive health | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Good reproductive health supports individuals and couples to decide whether and when to have children. It can be affected by diseases, access to contraception and fertility issues. Find out what we’re doing to improve reproductive health in Australia.

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

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

Free vaccinations are available for children aged 0 to 4 years to protect them against serious diseases.

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

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

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.