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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
Risk to people in Australia from H5 bird flu remains low
H5 bird flu detections in Australian birds have increased, but the risk to people remains low. Avoid contact with sick or dead birds or animals, record what you see and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
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.
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.
Trachoma surveillance report
Read ‘Australian Trachoma Surveillance Report 2024’ by Alison Jaworski et al.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the Pilbara
Read ‘Neisseria gonorrhoeae notifications, resistance and management in the Pilbara Region, Western Australia, July 2023 – June 2024’ by Simon Slota-Kan et al.
APSU annual surveillance report
Read ‘Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) Annual Surveillance Report 2025’ by Suzy M Teutsch et al.