About the Department

Vision

The Department of Health and Ageing’s vision is of better health and active ageing for all Australians. The Department aims to achieve this objective through the delivery of the key priorities and outcomes outlined in the 2006–09 Department of Health and Ageing Corporate Plan, accessible at www.health.gov.au.

Role

In 2006–07, the Department was responsible for achieving the Government’s priorities (outcomes) for: population health; pharmaceutical and medical services; ageing and aged care; primary care; rural health; hearing services; Indigenous health; private health; health system capacity and quality; mental health; health workforce capacity; acute care; and biosecurity and emergency response.

The Department worked to achieve the Government’s priorities through its policy, program, research and regulation activities, and by leading and working with other government agencies, consumers and stakeholders. The Department operated under the Public Service Act 1999 and the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997. The Department also administered a large number of Acts, which are listed in Part 4.6 – Freedom of Information. A detailed discussion of the Department’s activities in 2006–07 can be found in Part Two – Performance Reporting.