Changes for ODC service users

We are refining your experience of the Health Business Services (HBS) Portal making it easier to do business with us.

The upgraded system went live on 9 June 2026. Due to associated service outages, the system was unavailable from 7 pm (AEST) on Friday, 5 June to 9 am (AEST) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026.

What’s new

We’ve introduced several updates to improve usability and make it easier to manage applications in the portal. New features include:

• A submission dashboard with improved tracking to better enable you to monitor the progress of new applications.
• A new design to make forms easier to find and access. Frequently used applications can now be bookmarked.
• An updated look and feel, offering a more modern interface and easier navigation across the portal.
• New functionality will enable online submission of some additional ODC forms, including medicinal cannabis and narcotic drugs variations.

What has changed

Some existing processes have been refined to improve efficiency, clarity and streamline how you work.

A brief overview of what’s changing is listed below to help prepare for the release.

We will provide guidance materials on all of these new processes on the ODC How to page from 9 June 2026.

Signing in

Existing users

Existing Australian users are able to sign in to the HBS portal with their myID as usual:

• If you are already associated with an organisation or personal client account, an ODC service tile should be available on the home page. Selecting this tile allows the user to access the ODC service.
• If you are not currently associated with an existing organisation/account in the system, you will not be able to access the ODC service. You will need to either register an organisation or be added as contact to an existing organisation.

New Australian users

• You verify your identity through Health Business Services (HBS) by registering and signing in using myID.
• myID is the Australian Government’s standard way to prove who you are online.
• If you don’t already have a myID, set up myID
• To access the ODC service, you will need to either register an organisation or be added as contact to an existing organisation.

International users or users with international ID documents

• You access ODC through HBS, but identity verification works differently.
• As myID is only for Australian users, you will need to register for HBS with an email address. The registration process includes a one-off identity verification step.
• Once registered, you can sign in to HBS with your email address and password.
• To access the ODC service, you will need to either register an organisation based in Australia or be added as contact to an existing organisation.

New forms in the portal

• This release includes a new online submission process for some additional ODC forms to replace the previous PDF based email submission process. Applications can now be completed and submitted online with clearer guidance, better tracking and real time updates.
• Five variation forms will move into the portal in this release:
  • Four medicinal cannabis licence variation forms (Types 1, 2, 3 and 4)
  • One narcotic drug manufacturing licence variation form

Remaining ODC forms will transition to the online submission process in future release(s).

Informed Consent Responder role

• Informed consent responders are now listed against applicant organisations ahead of time as a separate step for clarity and consistency. Responders will need access to the portal and will need to set up myID for access.

New organisations

• New organisations need to complete a form available on the ODC website and submit via email. You will be advised when your organisation profile is established.
• Anyone acting for an organisation must register for HBS and be invited to join the organisation before completing regulatory tasks for example, being listed on an informed consent form.

Your user profile and registration details

Your user profile and registration details have moved from the current HBS portal to the new HBS portal and ODC service. Please contact us if any of your details don’t look correct at HBS.Support@health.gov.au.

What’s staying the same

Several key elements of your access and experience will remain unchanged:

• The URL for the portal stays the same so your usual access point does not change.
• While it is an enhanced platform, your existing account and access has been carried over.
• The ODC Business service still includes these existing forms:
  • Medicinal Cannabis Licence Application
  • Narcotic Drug Manufacturing Licence Application
  • Informed consent form.

What you need to do now

As part of our system upgrade, we will not automatically transfer your draft applications.

You can save a copy of your information offline and re‑enter your application once the new system goes live.

If you experience unexpected behaviour or extended delays, you can report it to ODC@Transformation@health.gov.au to support ongoing monitoring.

How we will support you

We aim to help you prepare for these changes by providing:

• email updates for key dates and reminders
• a short demonstration video to help you learn about the new online form submission process (see below)
• updated guidance on Portal help and Licences and permits
• Contact us page for help desk support when you need it.

We will update this page as new resources are added.

Share your feedback

We would appreciate your feedback. You can provide your feedback through an 8 minute go‑live survey to help us understand where we can improve.

Take our survey

Our survey will take 8 minutes and gives us valuable insight into your experience with the portal.