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Our role and priorities
We protect people in Australia from health threats, by strengthening prevention, preparedness and trusted public health advice.
Legislation and transparency
We publish our advice for full transparency and accountability. This is embedded in the legislation, to ensure everyone can see the advice informing public health decisions.
Our people
Our Director-General provides national leadership in assessing public health risk, with the support of an Expert Advisory Council, a strong leadership team and about 250 staff.
News
News
H5 bird flu detected in non-migratory seabird
Following the positive H5 avian influenza (bird flu) detection in a local greater crested tern, we reassessed public health risk and determined the risk to people in Australia remains low. We will continue to monitor the situation and re-assess risk as the situation evolves.
Updated national guidance helps doctors protect Aussie workers from silica dust
Respirable crystalline silica causes serious and often life-threatening illnesses. New guidance for health professionals helps protect those most at risk.
Detection of bird flu in Australia
Two seabirds found in an isolated area in southern Western Australia have returned positive results for H5 avian influenza (bird flu). The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low.
Communicable Diseases Intelligence (CDI)
About CDI
CDI is a peer-reviewed scientific journal with leading academic content focused on public health. Read more about CDI and access the latest articles.
Mpox cluster in Canberra, 2024
Read ‘Presymptomatic transmission, vaccine breakthrough and anonymous contacts: a cluster of mpox in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2024’ by Alexandra Marmor et al.
Salmonella Waycross outbreak
Read ‘An outbreak of Salmonella Waycross related to sandpit contamination in a Gold Coast childcare centre, Queensland, Australia, 2024’ by Heshani Rupasinghe et al.
Common Salmonella serotypes
Read ‘An atlas of common Salmonella serotypes from routinely notified human cases in the Northern Territory of Australia, 2005–2024’ by Anthony DK Draper et al.