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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
Whooping cough update – Putting recent reports in context
After higher case numbers in 2024 and 2025, whooping cough activity in early 2026 has returned to levels typically seen between outbreaks. Vaccination during pregnancy and on-time childhood immunisation remain the best protection for babies.
National snapshot of antimicrobial resistance and use released
The CDC today released the 'Sixth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health' (AURA report). The report draws together national data from hospitals, residential aged care and the wider community between 2022 and 2024.
Fake rabies vaccines in India
Fake rabies vaccines have been reported circulating across India since 2023. Take precautions to protect your health if you received a rabies vaccine in India on or after 1 November 2023.
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.
Immunisation coverage report
Read ‘Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2023’ by Brynley Hull et al.
Invasive meningococcal disease
Read ‘Maternal vaginal colonisation with Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B and late onset neonatal invasive meningococcal disease’ by Nadiya Brell et al.
Influenza viruses received and tested in Melbourne
Read ‘Report on influenza viruses received and tested by the Melbourne WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza during 2024’ by Jessica E Miller et al.