Electronic Communication with the Department
Electronic Form Transactions
Guidelines for Electronic Form Transactions with the Department.
Contact details | eForm standards | eForm confidentiality | Disruptions to eForm services | Unacceptable use of eForms | Changes to eForm transaction guidelines | Want more information?
The Department of Health and Ageing has the facilities to transact by Electronic Form (eForm). You are welcome to use this medium to transact with the Department - it should be noted that certain legislative transactions may not be conducted via eForm - please confirm with the relevant program area with which you transact.
A directory of departmental eForms will be available on this site in the near future.
Contact details
When submitting an eForm to the Department, please include the following contact details to ensure you receive a reply:- personal title (e.g. Mr, Ms, Dr, Prof. etc), first name and surname;
- position title (e.g. Manager);
- organisation name;
- e-mail address;
- postal address;
- phone number;
- fax number.
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eForm standards
The Department has three types of e-Forms, they are:Printable forms
Printable eForms are generally replicas of their hardcopy counterparts appearing on an Internet page. These forms are accessed by entering an Internet address or by clicking on a dedicated hyperlink. These documents can be printed on standard A4 paper (i.e. width 210mm x length 297mm).Completed eForms should be returned to the relevant work areas as specified on the forms.
Downloadable forms
Downloadable forms are documents hosted on the Department's Internet site that can be downloaded to your computer. Once downloaded, these forms can usually be opened with generic word processing applications (e.g. Microsoft Word) or a PDF reader (e.g. Adobe Acrobat).If you are able to open and complete the form using word processing software, you should save the form in Rich Text Format (.rtf) then attach the file to an email message addressed to the relevant Departmental program area receiving completed forms.
If you are able to open and complete the form using PDF software, you may either print the document and fax it to the relevant departmental program area or send it by post.
eForms that have been altered (i.e. had any part of their original text changed [e.g. questions]) will not be accepted.
Interactive forms
An Interactive form appears on an Internet page and can be completed by filling-in the relevant fields and submitting the details by clicking on the 'submit' button. You are not required to download any files or email the Department.Top of page
eForm confidentiality
The confidentiality of eForms sent to the Department cannot always be guaranteed. eForms sent via standard delivery channels such as email, fax or post are at risk of being intercepted by a third party before reaching the Department. To help keep your eForm confidential:return it to the correct destination (e.g. designated email address, fax number);
inquiry about using registered mail.
The Department is currently investigating technologies to provide clients with encrypted methods of submitting eForms and the subsequent guidelines will be communicated on this site.
eForms received by the Department may be retained in an archival form as required by Commonwealth laws and regulations governing the retention of historical records of government agencies. eForms may be accessed and used by an authorised officer of the Department when an appropriate need exists.
Disruptions to eForm services
The Department reserves the right to take eForms offline without notice in circumstances such as urgent equipment maintenance. The Department will not be responsible for any loss which may result.Unacceptable use of eForms
Do not send the Department eForms containing information that is:- harassing;
- threatening;
- designed to cause damage (e.g. virused);
- containing information that is illegal (e.g. obscene material).
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Changes to eForm transaction guidelines
The Department has a right to revise these transaction guidelines without notice. The revisions and modifications will be available on this site. If you wish to provide the Department feedback about these guidelines please send an email to enquiries@health.gov.au.Want more information
If you would like to know more about transacting electronically with the Department please visit the Enquiries and feedback page.All general queries, not related to electronic transactions, please visit the Enquiries and feedback page also.
