Australia is known to have one of the best healthcare and medical care facilities in the world. It is also a leader in developing medicines and medical inventions. However, like any other nation, it faces growing pressures due to technological advancements and public expectations. The management of public health is split between the state and federal government; however, national health policies are set by the Department of Health and Ageing.

The responsibilities of local government regarding the health of the public mainly revolve on environmental control such as garbage disposal, sanitation, clean water and health inspections. It is also responsible for providing quality home care and immunizations

The Australian government assists by funding medical services and gives financial assistance to public hospitals and community care for the aged, among other things. It also provides funding for research on health matters and provides financial support for training health and medical professionals and medical students. The Australian government also provides community services such as school health, dental health, occupational health and a variety of health inspections.

There are a lot of insurance schemes that fund public and private medical institutions and medical practitioners. These insurance schemes which citizens may choose to take out range from simple procedures such as dental care to more complex operations and full hospital cover. Medicare, a universal healthcare system is an Australia-wide health insurance scheme that is funded through income tax and is available to all permanent residents and citizens of Australia. People admitted to public hospitals receive treatment from physicians nominated by the hospital and are not charged for treatment.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is a professional association for Australian doctors and medical students that represent and protect the interest of its members. It works with the state and federal governments to uphold the highest standards of health and medical care to all Australians.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is the professional body for all general practitioners in Australia, responsible for upholding high standards of quality clinical practice, education and training of all its members as well as research in Australian general practice.

Other governing bodies that contribute greatly to health and medical care in Australia are as follows:

• Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
• Royal Australasian College of Physicians
• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• National Divisions of General Practice
• Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited
• Australian Society for Geriatric Medicine
• Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
• Optometrists Association of Australasia
• Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group
• Urological Society of Australasia
• Dieticians Association of Australia
• Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists