Review of 128 outbreaks of foodborne disease (affecting almost 6000 people, with six deaths) between 1980 and 1995 and available surveillance data showed that foodborne disease in Australia is similar to that in other industrialised countries. Campylobacter spp. and non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. were the most commonly reported pathogens. However, Australia, unlike the UK and US, lacks a comprehensive national surveillance system for foodborne diseases. This is essential to improve control of these diseases.