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Core 1: Health Priorities in Australia
What are the priority issues for improving Australia’s health?
By measuring health status and identifying the priority health issues for improving Australia’s health, the Australian government has identified the following priority issues for improving Australia’s health.
Groups experiencing health inequities
The health status of Australian’s has improved over the last century. It is in line with several other developed countries. Australia has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, although, life expectancy in Australia is not uniform across all population subgroups.
High levels of preventable chronic disease, injury and mental health problems
While there have been downward trends in death rates, cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and vascular) imposes the largest burden on Australia in terms of illness, disability and death. The emphasis here is on the preventable nature of these conditions. Improving people’s access to resources and support for prevention will reduce pressures on the health system and improving Australia’s health
A growing and ageing population
In Australia life expectancy is continually increasing. This section explores the impact a growing and ageing population has on the health care system, workforce, carers and volunteer organisations
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