Health Minister Mark Butler said the CDC would provide advice to the Federal Government and act to protect public health. Photo: Mark Butler Facebook.
The Federal Government has introduced legislation to deliver its commitment to establish an Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Canberra – to be based in Woden.
As an independent statutory agency, the CDC will bring together key information and experts to defend Australia against disease and threats to public health.
Health Minister Mark Butler said a central component of the CDC’s responsibilities would be analysis and advice relating to public health risks, provided to the government and the community.
The body will also coordinate action to prepare for risks and respond to them.
“The Albanese Government is establishing an Australian Centre for Disease Control – delivering on our commitment to create an independent agency that will help protect Australia from diseases and public health threats,” Mr Butler said.
“We know there will be another pandemic, and the Australian CDC will make sure we are better prepared.”
The CDC will be led by a director-general and will be operational from 1 January, 2026, following the passing of legislation.
Mr Butler pointed out that before this action, Australia was the only OECD nation without a CDC equivalent.
“As the COVID-19 [Response] Inquiry Report highlighted, Australia went into the COVID pandemic with no playbook for the pandemic, limited readiness of the National Medical Stockpile, and badly stretched aged and healthcare systems,” he said.
“The COVID-19 inquiry called for an Australian CDC, and that is what the Albanese Government is delivering.”
The centre is set to be based in Aviation House in Woden, bringing a major government body to Canberra’s south.
ACT Treasurer Chris Steel took to Facebook to thank ACT Senator Katy Gallagher for playing a role in Woden being chosen as the site for the CDC’s headquarters.
“Thank you Katy Gallagher. The new Australian Centre for Disease Control will be located at Aviation House in #Woden,” he posted.
Independent Member for Murrumbidgee in the ACT Assembly, Fiona Carrick, welcomed news the CDC would be in Woden Town Centre and also thanked Senator Gallagher.
“The Commonwealth Health Department has been the beating heart of the Woden Town Centre for over fifty years,” she said.
“It is terrific that this critical new health institution will also be located in Woden, cementing its position as the centre of health policy in Australia.
“The new Commonwealth jobs the CDC brings will provide a welcome boost to the local economy, replacing those lost when the Civil Aviation Safety Authority moved to Civic in late 2023.
“I would like to acknowledge the role of Finance Minister and ACT Senator Katy Gallagher in achieving this win for Woden.”
