Chief Health Officer reports
As Chief Health Officer for the ACT, my role is to monitor, protect and promote the health of our community.
Under Section 10 of the Public Health Act 1997, I am also required to report on specific aspects of the health status of the ACT population every 2 years.
Traditionally, these biennial reports, called Healthy Canberra, the ACT Chief Health Officer’s Report, were printed publications.
In 2016, the HealthStats ACT website was launched, providing accessible and up-to-date data on a range of health topics. This allows me to meet my legislated reporting requirements.
It is also important, however, to be able to focus specific attention on key public health issues which are impacting the health and wellbeing of our community at a particular point in time, including important population health topics and trends as they emerge.
Together with HealthStats, the Snapshot reports on Canberra’s population health, special topics, and focused topics will provide an overview of the health status of the Canberra community, including challenges to our public health and opportunities for improvement.
Dr Kerryn Coleman is the ACT Chief Health Officer.
Snapshot of Canberra's population health
Special Topics
- 2019-2020 Bushfires and Smoke - Health Impacts in the ACT Publication | July 2024
This report looks at the health impacts of the 2019-2020 bushfires in the ACT. It notes a rise in visits for respiratory, heart, and mental health issues. It also describes the ACT Government's response. The Smoke and Air Quality Strategy 2021-2025 plan aims to better manage bushfire smoke and air quality.
Focused Topics
- Healthy Weight Publication | April 2023 [PDF 1.5 MB]
This report shows the impact of overweight and obesity on the ACT community. It notes rising rates and the need for better prevention and support. - Burden of Disease Publication | April 2023 [PDF 1.9 MB]
This report shows that Canberrans are generally healthy, but chronic diseases are common. Over a third of the burden of disease comes from modifiable risk factors. - ACT Chief Health Officer report 2020 Publication | May 2021
This report covers four short topics: Healthy City, Healthy Minds, Healthy Lifestyles, and Healthy People. Each topic covers the ACT population's challenges and opportunities. It also shows how the ACT Government is implementing solutions. - ACT Chief Health Officer report 2018 Publication | July 2018
- ACT Chief Health Officer report 2016 Publication | May 2016
- ACT Chief Health Officer report 2014 Publication | May 2014
- ACT Chief Health Officer report 2012 Publication | August 2012
- ACT Chief Health Officer report 2010 Publication | August 2010
- ACT Chief Health Officer report 2008 Publication | August 2008
- ACT Chief Health Officer report 2006 Publication | August 2006
- ACT Chief Health Officer report 2000-2002 Publication | September 2003
- ACT Chief Health Officer report 1998-2000 Publication | 2002
- ACT Chief Health Officer report 1996-1998 Publication | October 1999
More information
For information and data on other population health topics for Canberrans go to HealthStats ACT.
The ACT Government supports our community to live the healthiest life possible through a range of strategies and measures described in key policy documents, including the ACT Wellbeing Framework and the Healthy Canberra: ACT Preventive Health Plan 2020-2025.
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