Department of Health and Aged Care

Better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.

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New Aged Care Act

We introduced the Aged Care Bill 2024 to Parliament on 12 September 2024. Learn more about changes to the new Act and how to contribute.

Cheaper medicines

As of 1 September 2024, around 300 medicines are now available for 60-day prescriptions. Find out how you can save more on your medicines.

Immunisation

Find out when to get vaccinated and what vaccines are free. See the National Immunisation Program Schedule and the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Join the thousands quitting vapes

Find out more about vapes, how they can affect you, and the support available to help you cut back or quit vaping.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics provide free walk-in urgent health care so you don’t have to wait at your local emergency department for urgent, but not life-threatening, illnesses and injuries. They are open extended hours, 7 days a week with no appointment required.

Find a clinic near you

Minimise risks to help prevent skin cancer

Cancer can be caused by many things, but you can help prevent some of them by minimising their risks. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with the majority of them caused by exposing our skin to UV radiation in sunlight. Protect your skin this summer as we can all be at risk of developing skin cancer.

Learn more about preventing other cancer risk factors

Mental health and wellbeing

This can be a challenging time of year for many Australians. The impacts can be serious and effect the health and wellbeing of individuals and their loved ones.

If you or someone you know needs help, there is support available.

Learn more about supports available

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Compare aged care homes with Star Ratings

Star Ratings helps you compare quality of care, safety and services of aged care homes nationally. Use it as a helpful guide in the early stages of residential aged care planning.

Making Medicare stronger

We’re making Medicare stronger with more investment in bulk billing, enhanced support for mental health and more Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. Find out more about Medicare benefits.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

AMR is a serious public health problem caused by misuse or overuse of antibiotics. Help reduce your risk by only using antibiotics as prescribed by your health professional.

Annual Report 2023–24

We released our latest annual report for the financial year ending 30 June 2024. Read the report to learn about our long term national health plan, as well as latest reforms, operations, budget, governance, performance and more.

Drug Help

If you or someone you care about has a problem with drugs or alcohol, reaching out for support is the first step. Learn about different types of drugs, their risks, and how to get help.

Hearing Services Program

Having trouble hearing? Learn more about the subsidised high-quality hearing services and devices available through the program to eligible Australians with hearing loss.

Mpox (monkeypox)

As cases are rising, learn about mpox, including symptoms, transmission, diagnosis and treatment.

Bird flu

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, mainly affects birds. However, occasionally it can infect humans. Learn more about bird flu and the current situation in Australia.