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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

Last reviewed: May 2025

Information from this partner

Found 271 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 | 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.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

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.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

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.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

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.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

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.

Read more on Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

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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