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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
Surveillance that works – finding poliovirus before it finds us
Poliovirus has been detected in a wastewater sample in Perth, Western Australia. Although the risk to the community remains very low, it’s a timely reminder to check you’re up to date with vaccination.
Help shape the future of public health – apply to join our Advisory Council
We’re seeking expressions of interest from exceptional people to join our Advisory Council. This is your chance to use your expertise and experience to help protect Australia from health threats, now and in the years to come.
Applications for Chief Medical Advisor now open
We are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Chief Medical Advisor – a pivotal position at the centre of national public health leadership. This role will help shape how Australia understands and responds to public health 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.
COVID-19 booster effectiveness during Omicron wave
Read ‘Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in adults aged 50 years and over during the Omicron period in Victoria, Australia’ by Joshua Szanyi et al.
Staphylococcus aureus in Timor‑Leste
Read ‘Epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus infections in Timor-Leste, January–July 2020’ by Virginia de L da Conceição et al.
Ratting out leptospirosis
Read ‘Ratting out leptospirosis: investigation of a revealing urban case associated with socioeconomic disadvantage in Sydney, Australia’ by Kate Lennard et al.