The key priority issues for improving Australia's health are reducing health inequities faced by certain groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, socioeconomically disadvantaged people, rural/remote residents, and immigrants experience unfair health differences. They are more likely to die younger, have lower life expectancy and quality of life, higher rates of disease, and less access to healthcare and health information. Addressing the social and economic determinants of health through government programs, community support, and empowering individuals is needed to improve health equity across all Australians.

1. WHAT ARE THE PRIORITY ISSUES FOR IMPROVING AUSTRALIA’S HEALTH?Groups Experiencing Health Inequities Generally speaking Australians health status is improving. However, this is not shared Australia-wide. There are fundamental differences in the level of health for particular groups. Groups within Australia experience inequities (unfair differences in levels of health status). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Socio-economically disadvantaged People living in rural and remote areas Australians born overseas Elderly People with disabilities

2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PeoplesMajor inequalities exist in the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.Die younger

3. Reduced quality of life

4. More likely to experience disabilityThe nature and extent of health inequitiesLower life expectancy

5. Infant mortality is 3 times higher than the national average. However, the gap is closing due to better maternal and infant health care.

6. Poorer mental health

7. Higher hospitalisations

8. Poorer sexual health

9. Higher incidence of diabetes

10. Higher mortality rates for cardiovascular disease, injuries, respiratory diseases, cancer, endocrine disorders and digestive disordersThe socio-cultural, socio-economic and environmental determinants of healthSocio-cultural - including family, peers, media, religion, culture, social connectedness, community, legislation, policies, political stabilitySocio-economic - employment, education, income Environmental - geographic location, access to health care services

11. The Roles of Individuals, Communities and Governments in Addressing the Health Inequities Modern approaches to healthcare and health promotion acknowledge the fact that Indigenous health status results from the interaction of multiple determinants. An “inter-sectoral” approach is required based on partnerships between people and agencies at many levels and in a variety of sectors.Government The Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) www.health.gov.au/oatsih The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) www.naccho.org.au The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) www.ahmrc.org.auGovernment agencies aim to improve the access of Indigenous people to primary health care services.Communities Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) and Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) are primary healthcare services initiated and operated by local Aboriginal communities (clinical care, health education, promotion, screening, immunisation, counselling, trasnport to medical appointments, hearing health, sexual health, substance use and mental health).

12. Individuals There is a strong focus in many Aboriginal Health Services on providing education and support for Indigenous mothers and children, on increasing the number of Aboriginal health workers, community support workers and medically trained staff and on increasing capacity by empowering individuals.www.health.gov.au/internet/h4l/publishing.nsf/Content/respack-exemplarsite

13. SOCIOECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED PEOPLEThe Nature and Extent of the Health Inequities People or groups who are characterised by the following, are said to be socio-economically disadvantaged (experience financial limitations):poor levels of education

14. Low income