The importance of a One Health approach to public health and food security in Australia – a perspective from the Chief Medical Officer

Abstract

I have had the privilege of being Australia?s Chief Medical Officer for the past 18 months, which has given me a unique perspective on a range of health-related matters. My role is to provide advice to the Minister and the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) including input to the development and administration of major health reforms for all Australians and ensuring the development of evidence-based public health policy. I am responsible for the DoHA?s Office of Health Protection and I chair the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee which advises and makes recommendation to the Australian Health Ministers? Advisory Council on national approaches to public health emergencies, communicable disease threats and environmental threats to public health.