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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

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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.

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Anthrax | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

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

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Australian bat lyssavirus infection | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Find out how we define and monitor cases of Australian bat lyssavirus infection (ABLV), and where you can learn more about this disease.

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Avian influenza in humans (bird flu) | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Find out how we define and monitor cases of avian influenza in humans, and where you can learn more about this disease.

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Barmah Forest virus infection | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Find out how we define and monitor cases of Barmah Forest virus infection, and where you can learn more about this disease.

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Botulism | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

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

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Brucellosis | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

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

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Campylobacteriosis | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

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

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Chickenpox | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

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

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.