The Commonwealth Department of Health was formed on 7 March 1921 following the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919. During this time it had become clear that a national approach to health was essential if Australia was to survive and prosper. While the Commonwealth's ambit had been initially limited to quarantine issues, the structure of the new Department reflected a recognition that greater emphasis needed to be placed on medical research and preventative strategies.

The birthday will be commemorated throughout the year with displays of historical items, a written history of the Department and functions in all States and Territories. The display will feature a number of Departmental items of historical significance and a series of montages illustrating the developments in health that have occurred since the Department's inception.

Coinciding with the celebrations for the Centenary of Federation and the Centenary of the Australian Public Service, the birthday is a significant landmark in the evolving story of health in Australia and the Department will be contributing to a display on the Australian Public Service at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

"Since its formation, the Department has led the way in improving standards of health in Australia. Beginning with a staff of only 154, the Department has grown to around 3300 staff and in the intervening years has played a crucial role in addressing health issues," said Andrew Podger, Secretary of the Department.

"Notable achievements include the campaign to combat tuberculosis, mass immunisation schemes to fight polio and more recently whooping cough, and the formation of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to support medical research," Mr Podger said.

"In recent decades, the Department has become the dominant funder of Australia's health and aged care system. It uses this role to influence the effectiveness and quality of services across Australia, and ensure they are universally accessible."

"The World Health Organisation Report 2000 ranked Australia's health system as one of the best in the world and I am confident that Australia's performance in health care delivery will grow even further as a result of the Department's initiatives in recent years and a continued commitment to building a strong and efficient health system which improves the health of all Australians."

Interviews can be arranged with the Secretary, Mr Andrew Podger.

Media contact:Madeleine Kaye, Tel: (02) 6289 1264, Moblie: 0411 255 212