Introduction

The Department of Health and Ageing is a Department of State. It operates under the Public Service Act 1999 and the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997.

Our History

The Commonwealth Department of Health was founded in 1921, in part as a response to the devastating effects of the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1919 and through the vision of Dr J H L Cumpston. As the first head of the department, Dr Cumpston championed the need to have a national approach to manage communicable diseases. Over the next 90 years, the department has evolved to encompass research and health services endeavouring to deliver universal access to public health services for all Australians. The Department of Health and Ageing as it currently stands is the leader of Australia’s health system, with a clear focus to achieve better health and active ageing for all Australians laying emphasis on preventive health strategies.

Our Vision

Better health and active ageing for all Australians.

Our People

As at 30 June 2011, the department had 4,830 ongoing and 591 non-ongoing staff (see Part 3.3: Staffing Information for full details).

Our Values

We value:

An apolitical, impartial and professional environment.
The importance of achieving results for the Government and the community.
Delivering services to the public fairly, effectively and impartially.
Transparency, accountability and responsiveness.
A workplace that is fair and free of discrimination.
Diversity and equity in employment.
The highest ethical standards.
Innovation.
Respect.

These principles reflect the Australian Public Service Values in the Public Service Act 1999 (section 10) and the department’s People Strategy.

Our Role

The department’s role is to achieve the Australian Government’s priorities (outcomes) for health and ageing. We do this by developing evidence-based policies, managing programs and undertaking research and regulations activities. We also lead and work closely with other agencies to achieve results for the Australian Government and community, and engage in open and constructive consultation with professionals, providers, industry and community groups.

Our Outcomes, Our Performance Reporting

The department receives Government funding to achieve the outcomes set by the Government. These outcomes reflect the Government’s priorities for health and ageing (see Part 2.3: Portfolio Outcomes for full details).

As a department, we measure our success in achieving these outcomes against the performance directions and targets set out in the 2010-11 Portfolio Budget Statements and 2010-11 Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements. Part 2: Performance Reporting reports on our performance for 2010-11.

Our Expenditure

In 2010-11 the department administered expenditure of $44.7 billion and incurred departmental expenditure of $762.4 million (see Part 5: Financial Statements for full details).

Department of Health and Ageing Corporate Plan 2010-13

The Department of Health and Ageing Corporate Plan 2010-13 is available at: www.health.gov.au.

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