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The Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, has appointed Professor Zoe Wainer as the inaugural Director-General of the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
This marks a significant milestone in the establishment of Australia’s new national public health institution.
Professor Wainer will start in the role on 1 March 2026.
The CDC builds on decades of work to strengthen Australia’s public health preparedness, early warning systems and national coordination across governments, laboratories, clinicians and researchers.
The Government’s 2024 decision to establish the CDC – backed by a foundational $251.7 million investment – was the decisive step towards realising an improved national public health capability.
Now, the appointment of the CDC’s first Director-General signals the beginning of a new phase – focused on national leadership, collaboration and clear public communication.
Professor Wainer brings more than 20 years of experience across government, health care, clinical governance, academia and international public health organisations.
Her leadership will help guide the CDC as it strengthens national surveillance, publishes independent public health advice and builds the systems needed to protect communities from emerging health threats.
The CDC will officially stand up on 1 January 2026.
In the coming months, the organisation will continue to grow its capability and engage widely across the health sector and the community.
Further updates about the CDC’s work and priorities will be published on this website as Australia’s new national public health institution takes shape.
Read Minister Mark Butler's media release.
