Report shows Australia is a healthy nation

A new snapshot of the nation’s health has found Australians are living longer than ever before while the rise of chronic disease still presents challenges in achieving equal health outcomes for Indigenous Australians and people living outside metropolitan areas.

Launching the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) publication Australia’s health 2016, which provides an update on the health of Australians and the performance of Australia’s health system, Federal Minister for Health Sussan Ley stated “Australia’s health 2016 shows us that about 85% of Australians rate their health as good, very good or excellent.

“With about one-quarter of total government revenue attributed to health spendin ... our Government’s priority is to ensure the high performance and sustainability of our health system over the long term.”

Total Commonwealth investment in health will grow to more than $71 billion in 2015/16 and this will increase to $79 billion within four years. The Federal Government’s investment in Medicare is at $23 billion per year and this will increase by $4 billion over the next four years.

Minister Ley added “the report indicates that health outcomes for Australians have improved over time with life expectancy at an all-time high of 80.3 years for males, while a baby girl could expect to live for 84.4 years. Survival rates for cancer are also improving.”

However, Minister Ley said that despite plenty of good news on health in the report, managing chronic conditions and their impact on Australia’s health system remained one of our greatest health challenges.

She concluded “the report shows that half of Australians have a chronic disease – such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes or a mental health disorder – and one-in four have two or more of these conditions.

“This is why our initial investment of almost $120 million in the Health Care Homes initiative is so important. It will help to keep those with chronic conditions healthier and out of hospital. It will give GPs the flexibility and tools they need to design individual care plans for patients with chronic conditions and coordinate care services to support them.”

Click here to view Australia’s Health 2016 on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s website.

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10th June 2016 - FITNESS INDUSTRY SAYS ‘YES’ TO GLOBAL WELLNESS DAY

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5th December 2015 - AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION SURVEY AIMS TO DRIVE FUTURE SPORT AND RECREATION POLICY

26th March 2015 - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AIMS TO GET MORE AUSTRALIANS PLAYING SPORT

1st February 2015 - INVESTING IN WELLNESS CAN REDESIGN WELFARE

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