Australian Centre for Disease Control

Our role

We protect Australia from public health threats and improve the health of all Australians.

The interim Australian CDC is part of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. A standalone CDC is expected to be launched on 1 January 2026. We are growing in a phased approach, with an initial focus on improvements in the following areas:

• preparing for public health emergencies with multi-jurisdictional training exercises
• improving the national public health surveillance system
• building capability in One Health and health security.
• The development of the CDC will:
• increase independence and strengthen evidence-based and transparent decision-making to maintain trust
• improve national coordination of effort and efficiencies by building stronger partnerships, including across Commonwealth agencies and between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments
• support national action through enhanced national capabilities, underpinned by the distinct and complementary roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth, state, and territory governments
• enhance international connections
• increase and productively use resources to support preparedness and response across all Commonwealth, state, and territory governments, including nationally.

More information can be located on the CDC website. https://www.cdc.gov.au/about/what-we-do#our-functions