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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 295 results

Shingles | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Find out how we define and monitor cases of shingles, 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 and Aged Care

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

Group A streptococcal disease – invasive (iGAS) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

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

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

Food and nutrition | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Good food and nutrition is important to good health and wellbeing, and reduces the risk of disease. Healthy eating means choosing the right foods and knowing how much to have. Find out what we’re doing to help Australians make healthier food choices.

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

About overweight and obesity | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Overweight and obesity is a public health issue and major risk factor for ill-health, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Read about what a healthy weight is and why it’s important at all stages of life.

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

Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine and thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (TTS) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (TTS) is a rare syndrome that occurred in around 2 to 3 people per 100,000 who were vaccinated with AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca is no longer available in Australia from 21 March 2023.

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

Tetanus vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Information about tetanus vaccines, who it is recommended for, how and where to get vaccinated. If you're eligible, you can get the tetanus vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program.

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

Immunisation for work | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Certain jobs and industries are linked with a greater risk of getting and/or transmitting a disease preventable by vaccination.

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

Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

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

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

Anthrax | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

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

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

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