Australian CDC legislation a momentous day for public health
Public Health Association of Australia
3 September 2025
Legislation tabled today in parliament to make permanent the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control (Aus CDC) is a momentous and welcome step forward for health, and is testament to decades of persistent advocacy, the country’s peak body for public health says.
“We’re thrilled because this decision by the Albanese Government to deliver on its promise to legislate to create the Aus CDC is the fulfilment of something that Australia has needed for decades,” said PHAA CEO, Adj Prof Terry Slevin.
“Subject to the passage of the Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025 through the Senate, the timetable of the new agency opening its doors on 1 January 2026 can now be met.
“We look forward to Parliament finalising the details in the next few months so that the new Aus CDC can get cracking, and be ambitious in its goals.
“There is an absolutely packed agenda for this agency. With Australia facing challenges like the threat of bird flu, and public health misinformation and falling immunisation rates, the Australian CDC will provide a central, credible source of information. We hope it will grow and evolve to a key leadership role in public health in Australia, and be resourced accordingly.
“We don’t know when the next infectious pandemic may come, but this agency helps us get prepared. And when it comes it will lead the response. While infectious disease preparedness and response is the immediate priority, the Aus CDC will also play an important role in chronic disease prevention. There are also many people across the continent who are suffering much preventable non-communicable chronic disease.
“We hope we will look back on 2025, and the efforts of Health Minister Mark Butler especially, as a turning point in the nation’s health.
“We look forward to reviewing the detail of the bill.”
For further information/comment:
Paris Lord (he/him), PHAA Communications & Media Manager, 0478 587 917, [email protected]
Timeline background for journalists:
Nov 1987 – Epidemiologist Prof Bob Douglas asks in Medical Journal of Australia, Does Australia need a Centre for Disease Control?’
8 Feb 2006 – Former ALP Health spokeswoman Julia Gillard addresses National Press Club about ALP’s commitment to prevention
2011 – Public Health Association of Australia and the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine release discussion paper, Does Australia Need a National Centre for Disease Control?
24 June 2020 – The Government’s commitment to creating an Australian Centre for Disease Control (Aus CDC) began with then Opposition Leader Albanese’s speech at the National Press Club, on 24 June 2020. Mr Albanese stated:
“We’ve been warned COVID-19 might not even be the “big one” we face in our lifetime. Now is not the time for complacency. For one thing, should we be the only OECD nation without the equivalent of a Centre for Disease Control and Prevention? A properly resourced, independent Australian CDC would ensure a standing focus on pandemic preparedness, such as regular drills and exercise.”
May 2022 – ALP includes an Aus CDC on its election platform. Wins 21 May 2022 election.
Oct 2022 – New govt 2022-23 budget includes $3.2m toward designing an Aus CDC.
9 May 2023 – ALP allocates $90m over two years to establish an Aus CDC. Health Minister Mark Butler stresses importance of support for the ACDC from all state and territory jurisdictions.
1 Jan 2024 – Interim Australian CDC begins work within Australian Dept of Health and Aged Care
Oct 2024 - COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report recommends Government establish a permanent Australian Centre for Disease Control. Govt agrees. Allocates $251 million over four years.
May 2025 – ALP again reaffirms its commitment to the Aus CDC on election platform. Returned to office.
3 Sept 2025 – Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025 and Australian Centre for Disease Control (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025 introduced into Australian Parliament
About the Public Health Association of Australia
We’re Australia's peak body for public health and have been advocating for an Australian Centre for Disease Control for decades, including through peer-reviewed papers, webinars, and via mass media. Here is a sample of that advocacy.
Contact details:
Paris Lord (he/him), PHAA Communications & Media Manager, 0478 587 917, [email protected]