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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
Australia’s HPV vaccine program leads to 90% drop in prevalence, but gaps remain
Australia’s highly successful vaccine program has reduced HPV prevalence by 90% in vaccine eligible people, but a new report finds vaccination rates are dropping.
Diphtheria declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, today declared diphtheria a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).
Diphtheria outbreak update
Australia is currently experiencing the biggest diphtheria outbreak since records began. Public health authorities in impacted states and territories, primarily the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia, are working hard to manage and contain the outbreak.
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.
Annual immunisation coverage report 2024
Read ‘Annual immunisation coverage report 2024’ by Brynley Hull et al.
Measles outbreak
Read ‘An outbreak of measles linked to healthcare services in Far North Queensland, 2025’ by Tonia Marquardt et al.
Infant RSV immunisation coverage
Read ‘Infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation coverage in an Australian regional area, 1 May 2024 – 31 October 2025’ by William H Roughan et al.