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The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.

Government cancer control organisations

This page provides insight into “who does what” and links to other government cancer organisations and agencies with responsibilities for cancer control. It is not intended to be a complete list.

Department of Health and Aged Care 

The Department of Health and Aged Care administers many of the Australian Government’s cancer control activities including programs aimed at improving cancer prevention and early detection.  The Department provides funding for cancer research; works to provide free or cheaper cancer treatment and medicines under Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; provides access to high quality and culturally safe care through the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program; and delivers Australia’s national population based screening programs: BreastScreen Australia, the National Cervical Screening Program and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in partnership with state and territory governments.  

Cancer Australia works in partnership with the Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver key initiatives such as the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.  

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 

The AIHW is a major national agency established by the Australian Government. AIHW aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians through better health and welfare information and statistics. AIHW collects and reports information on a wide range of topics and issues, ranging from health and welfare expenditure, hospitals, disease and injury, and mental health, to ageing, homelessness, disability and child protection.  

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 

The NHMRC is Australia's leading expert body for supporting health and medical research, developing health advice for the Australian community, health professionals and governments, and providing advice on ethical behaviour in health care and in the conduct of health and medical research. 

Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) 

The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) has a lead role in coordinating national engagement, delivery and adoption of digital health to enable person-centred, connected healthcare. The Agency coordinates and delivers national and cross-jurisdictional priorities, as reflected in the National Digital Health Strategy. The Agency also has a key role in supporting Australian Government priorities in health reform, including Strengthening Medicare; helping to connect the broader care team, including allied health with primary care; and better supporting Australian healthcare consumers and healthcare providers with access to the information they need, where they need it. 

State and territory government departments and agencies 

Information about state and territory government cancer control programs and agencies can be found on their websites. Links are provided below: 

Other organisations 

Healthdirect provides access to trusted, quality health information and advice online and over the phone. 

Last updated 31 January 2025
Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.

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