Department of Health and Aged Care
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Better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.
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### [New Aged Care Act](/our-work/aged-care-act)
The Aged Care Bill passed Parliament on 25 November 2024. The new Aged Care Act will start from 1 July 2025. Learn more about the changes and how to contribute.
### [Cheaper medicines](/cheaper-medicines)
As of 1 January 2025, we introduced a freeze on the maximum patient cost of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines. Find out how you can save more on your medicine prescriptions.
### [Immunisation](/topics/immunisation)
Find out when to get vaccinated and what vaccines are free. See the National Immunisation Program Schedule and the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
### [Tropical Cyclone Alfred](/our-work/flood-and-storm-support)
See where to get the latest information about Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Qld and NSW, including how to get medical care, prescription medicines and mental health support.
**First Nations breast screening**
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From big cities to out bush, free breast screening is available around Australia for women over 40. No matter where you live, we’re here to help you stay healthy.
[**Learn more about breast screening with your sistas**](/breast-screen "Screen with your sistas")
**Primary health care careers**
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Want to make a difference working in your community? Careers across primary care offer diverse work environments where you can apply your knowledge and experience. From GP and nurses to community pharmacists or aged care health workers, find a fulfilling role to suit your healthcare skills.
[**Learn more about career opportunities**](/primary-health-care-careers "Primary health care careers")
News
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### [Priorities updated for the Genomics Health Futures Mission](/news/priorities-updated-for-the-genomics-health-futures-mission-mrff?language=en)
7 March 2025
### [Caring for your health during Cyclone Alfred in Qld and NSW](/news/caring-for-your-health-during-cyclone-alfred-in-qld-and-nsw?language=en)
7 March 2025
### [Increase to the Home Care Package subsidy](/news/increase-to-the-home-care-package-subsidy?language=en)
5 March 2025
[Read more news](/news)
Learn more
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### [Making Medicare stronger](/stronger-medicare)
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.
### [Compare aged care homes with Star Ratings](/starratings)
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.
### [Join the thousands quitting vapes](/vaping)
Find out more about vapes, how they can affect you, and the support available to help you cut back or quit vaping.
### [Annual Report 2023–24](/resources/publications/department-of-health-and-aged-care-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](/our-work/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.
### [Medicare Urgent Care Clinics](/find-a-medicare-ucc)
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.
### [Hearing Services Program](/our-work/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.
### [Diseases](https://www.cdc.gov.au/topics)
The interim Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) now offers the latest information about a range of infectious diseases. Visit the CDC website to learn more.