Inside Front Cover

The Department of Health and Ageing values diversity, equality, integrity and inclusiveness.

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

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 History

The Commonwealth Department of Health was founded in 1921, in part as response to the devastating effects of 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 91 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.

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