The department is responsible for programs such as Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and agencies such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The Chief Medical Officer is Paul Kelly, who oversees clinical operations.

[6] After a new government was elected in March 1996, the Department of Health and Family Services was formed.

[13] The Australian Federal Department of Health and Ageing was abolished in 2013 and replaced by the Australian Federal Department of Health on 18 September 2013 by way of an Administrative Arrangements Order issued by the governor-general on the recommendation of the Abbott government.

[16] According to the Administrative Arrangements Order issued 18 September 2013, matters dealt with by the department are:[14]