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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
Q fever cases hit record high
Last year, Australia recorded 912 cases of Q fever – the highest number since national monitoring began in 1991. If you work around certain animals, take steps to protect yourself.
Get ready for winter respiratory illnesses
As winter gets closer severe respiratory illnesses are more likely – especially for high-risk groups. We should aways do what we can to prevent illness. But with unusually high levels of flu in late 2025, taking simple steps to protect yourself early will be especially important this winter.
Travelling? Add measles vaccination to your holiday checklist
A new report confirms that almost all cases of measles in Australia are either acquired overseas or related to an overseas acquired case – especially around school holidays. Don’t bring measles home from holidays – add vaccination to your travel plan.
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.