Highway to Health: Australian CDC Legislation Passed
06 Nov 2025
The AMA welcomed the federal government’s leadership on this initiative, highlighting the pivotal role of Health Minister Mark Butler, with whom the AMA has collaborated closely throughout the process.
The AMA was among the first health organisations to advocate for an independent CDC, issuing a position statement in 2017 calling for its creation—well before the COVID-19 pandemic exposed Australia’s limited capacity to respond to national and global health emergencies.
“I’m delighted to see the Senate pass the legislation that will create an agency that’s able to anticipate threats — and respond to them,” said AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen.
Dr McMullen emphasised that the world is facing increasingly complex challenges, including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging health threats, all of which require strong surveillance and coordinated responses.
The AMA looks forward to working with the government and the CDC’s new Director-General to ensure the agency is guided by clinical and scientific expertise, supporting Australia’s preparedness for future public health challenges.
Source: Australian Medical Association, 2025
