The department’s purpose is to support the government to shape Australia’s health and aged care system and sporting outcomes. It does this through evidence-based policy, well-targeted programs and best-practice regulation, focusing on 4 outcomes:
- health policy, access and support
- individual health benefits
- ageing and aged care
- sport and recreation.
Vision and mission
The department’s vision is better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.
How Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care 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 for advice on your own health.
- Use the department’s contact information for help with questions about its work.
