The introduction of microbial genomics into Public Health Laboratories in Australia has been disruptive in technological terms by enabling replacement of existing phenotypic and molecular typing tests, and in organisational terms by placing complex molecular analysis at the forefront of communicable diseases prevention and control. Two of the major focus areas for translating microbial genomics into public health practice are in foodborne diseases and sexually transmitted infections. This talk will provide an overview of how genomics can be applied to the investigation, surveillance and control of these important public health problems. In particular, the emergence and control of antimicrobial resistance within these areas will be discussed.