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

Evaluation demonstrates value of Aboriginal community-controlled BBV and STI programs

Key findings show the importance of local leadership, a strong health workforce and innovative testing approaches in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bloodborne virus (BBV) and sexually transmissible infection (STI) programs.

A step ahead: new climate risk assessment and adaptation planning guidance

We’ve released new climate risk assessment and adaptation planning guidance to help health system organisations manage climate-related risks.

New national guidance on tuberculosis prevention and response in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities

Health professionals, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and public health partners can use the new guidance to support equitable approaches to TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment and care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Media

Media releases

Strengthening health system climate resilience

The Australian Centre for Disease Control has released national guidance, local data and practical tools to help health system organisations assess and manage climate-related risks and undertake adaptation planning.

Professor Kristine Macartney appointed Chief Medical Advisor

A respected clinician, researcher and public health leader, Professor Macartney will help shape the Australian CDC's evidence-based approach to protecting Australians' health.

Australia’s CMO and CVO release joint statement on World Zoonosis Day 2025

Read the joint statement from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Veterinary Officer on the importance of a One Health approach this World Zoonosis Day.

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. 

Malaria outbreaks in the Torres Strait, 2000-2025

Read ‘Epidemiology of malaria in the Torres Strait Islands, Australia, 2000-2025 and the public health response to three recent outbreaks’ by Claire Bowers et al.

Gonococcal Surveillance Report

Read ‘Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme Annual Report, 2025’ by Tiffany R Hogan et al.

Nirsevimab protection against RSV

Read ‘Nirsevimab provides age-specific protection against RSV hospitalisation in the first year of life: a population-level study in Queensland, Australia’ by Asmaa El-Heneidy et al.

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