The Australian Senate has successfully passed legislation to establish a permanent Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), with the new agency set to begin its operations in January 2026. This decision, made on November 5, marks a significant advancement in Australia’s public health infrastructure, transitioning from the interim CDC that has been in place since January 2024.
Dr. Lisa Murphy, CEO of the Stroke Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm about the announcement, labeling it as a landmark moment for public health in Australia. “A permanent Australian CDC will strengthen Australia’s public health capability, provide national leadership and coordination for effective public health responses, pandemic preparedness, and chronic disease prevention,” said Dr. Murphy.
The establishment of a permanent CDC has been a long-standing goal for public health advocates. It was notably highlighted in the recommendations of Australia’s COVID-19 Response Inquiry, which identified critical gaps in the nation’s pandemic preparedness and public health coordination. By creating a dedicated agency, the Australian Government aims to enhance its ability to respond to health crises effectively.
The Stroke Foundation anticipates collaborating with the new CDC Director-General and the Government to address the growing burden of preventable chronic diseases, particularly stroke. With approximately 46,000 stroke events occurring in Australia each year, the CDC is expected to play a crucial role in prevention efforts. Statistics indicate that 80% of strokes are preventable, underscoring the importance of targeted public health initiatives.
Stroke remains one of the top five causes of death and disability in Australia, highlighting the urgent need for effective public health strategies. The establishment of the CDC is seen as a vital step towards improving health outcomes and minimizing the impact of chronic diseases across the nation.
As the CDC prepares to take on its new responsibilities in 2026, stakeholders in the health sector are optimistic about the potential improvements in disease prevention and health education. The collaborative efforts between the Stroke Foundation and the new agency could lead to enhanced awareness and resources aimed at reducing stroke incidents and other preventable health issues.
The creation of the permanent Australian CDC reflects a commitment to addressing public health challenges and ensuring that the country is better prepared for future health emergencies. The ongoing dedication to strengthening Australia’s health systems is expected to yield long-term benefits for the population.
