Speaking at the Australian Medical Association national conference in Melbourne on 28 August 2026, Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd AO outlined the lessons guiding Australia’s response to current health risks and longer-term health reforms.

Professor Kidd said effective health leadership depends on preparing before emergencies occur, using reliable evidence, working with local experts and involving clinicians, communities and people with lived experience in health reforms.

Responding to emerging health threats

Professor Kidd highlighted the growing workload of the Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC), which brings together health leaders from across Australia.

The committee met three times during 2025 but has already met 28 times in 2026 because of a series of health emergency risks. Several situations have also required the National Incident Centre to be activated.

The establishment of the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) on 1 January 2026 was described as an important national reform following the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC is responsible for strengthening disease prevention and preparedness through surveillance, public health intelligence, analysis and expert advice.

Professor Kidd also discussed several recent health emergencies.

A national communicable disease incident was declared for syphilis in August 2025, following a long-term increase in infections and growing numbers of congenital syphilis cases and preventable infant deaths. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly those in remote areas, have been disproportionately affected.

A second declaration followed in May 2026 because of a major diphtheria outbreak in northern Australia. More than 500 cases had been notified nationally at the time of the speech, with most occurring in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

The national response includes a $13 million package covering vaccines, antibiotics and specialist support. Almost 120,000 diphtheria vaccine doses had been provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote communities during the year.

Australia has also continued preparations for potential Ebola cases linked to an outbreak overseas, while maintaining border screening and reviewing health protocols.

Other emergency responses discussed included health risks linked to international supply chain disruption, the repatriation and quarantine of people following hantavirus exposure, and the detection of poliovirus through wastewater surveillance in Western Australia.

The national polio response plan was activated in April 2026. No active poliomyelitis cases were identified in Australia, but the incident highlighted the value of wastewater monitoring and maintaining high vaccination coverage.

Australia is also monitoring H5 avian influenza. While the current risk to human health remains low, Professor Kidd noted potential impacts on native wildlife, agriculture and rural and Aboriginal communities.

Vaccination remains a key priority

Professor Kidd reinforced the importance of immunisation and the role doctors play in maintaining public confidence in vaccines.

He noted that trusted advice from health professionals can strongly influence vaccination decisions, particularly for young parents and older people at higher risk.

The speech also highlighted changes to Australia's vaccination programs. Protection against RSV has expanded, while pneumococcal vaccination has been extended to additional priority groups, including people aged over 65.

From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccination will move from the emergency-era national program to a more targeted National Immunisation Program approach.

Funded vaccination will focus on older people, specified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander age groups, and adults with severe immunocompromise.

Professor Kidd stressed that the change should not be interpreted as COVID-19 no longer being a health risk. He said clear communication from clinicians will remain important.

Closing the health gap

Improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remains a major national priority.

Professor Kidd pointed to ongoing challenges including life expectancy, healthy birthweight and suicide outcomes. He said progress requires more than additional funding and must include changes to how health services are designed and decisions are made.

The Australian Government is investing $4.6 billion over four years through the Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme.

The new National Health Reform Agreement also includes a First Nations Schedule focused on improving equity and addressing structural and institutional racism.

Professor Kidd highlighted the importance of First Nations leadership, culturally safe care and stronger support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.

He also pointed to Australia's achievement in eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, while stressing that continued prevention, surveillance and action on the social factors affecting health remain important.

The elimination of rheumatic heart disease was also identified as an area requiring continued national effort.

Supporting transgender and gender-diverse people

The speech also addressed health care for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people.

Professor Kidd said respectful and evidence-informed care is important, particularly during periods of intense public discussion.

The National Health and Medical Research Council is developing national clinical practice guidelines for the care of transgender and gender-diverse people under 18 with gender dysphoria. Interim advice on puberty suppression is expected to be available for public consultation later in 2026.

Tackling chronic disease and dementia

Chronic conditions continue to account for a major share of illness, disability and premature death in Australia.

Professor Kidd noted that three in five Australians live with at least one chronic condition, while almost two in five live with two or more.

The new National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions provides a 10-year approach focused on prevention, early intervention, continuity of care and equity.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program was also highlighted as an example of prevention and early detection. Since starting in July 2025, more than 111,000 high-risk people had accessed free screening and more than 340 primary lung cancers had been detected.

Primary care clinicians remain central to identifying eligible patients, explaining screening and supporting follow-up.

Dementia prevention was another key focus. Professor Kidd said evidence shows that some dementia cases may be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors throughout life.

Australians turning 50 have received information from the Australian Government encouraging practical steps to support brain health and reduce future dementia risk.

These measures include physical activity, healthy eating, stopping smoking, managing blood pressure, maintaining hearing and vision, and staying socially connected.

Making health care more accessible

Professor Kidd also highlighted barriers faced by people with disability, particularly people with intellectual disability.

He said health systems should be designed around people's needs rather than expecting people to adapt to complex systems.

Making reasonable adjustments, providing accessible communication and supporting preventive care can help improve health care for people with disability.

The broader reform agenda aims to improve connections between health, disability and aged care services.

Strengthening the health system through partnership

Professor Kidd concluded by returning to the conference theme, Leading Change in a Connected World.

He said Australia's health challenges may be different in nature, but they share common needs: early action, strong evidence, effective leadership, trusted communication and partnerships between governments, health professionals and communities.

Doctors have an important role in connecting policy with everyday patient care and helping decision-makers understand what is happening across clinics, hospitals and communities.

Professor Kidd also recognised the role of the AMA in representing doctors, contributing to health reforms and keeping patient and community wellbeing at the centre of national discussions.

Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Highlights Priorities for a Changing Health System

Source: Speech by Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, at the Australian Medical Association Annual Conference, 28 August 2026.