️ Highlights:
1. Australia’s prosperity and success are now measured not only by GDP, but also by the health and wellbeing of its population. The ability to access high-quality health services and overall feelings about health and wellbeing play a crucial role in determining quality of life.
2. The country is facing significant demographic changes, with an aging population putting pressure on the healthcare sector. Meeting the health and wellbeing needs of residents will be one of the greatest challenges in the coming years.
3. The 2023 Intergenerational Report predicts that the care and support workforce will need to double in the next two decades, and a significant portion of government expenditure in the next 40 years will be due to demographic aging.
4. Health and wellbeing are important factors for the livability of local communities and are now recognized as crucial components of a prosperous society. The Australian government’s “Measuring What Matters” Framework defines a prosperous society as one in which people are in good physical and mental health, can access services when needed, and have the necessary information to improve their health.
5. Australians value access to healthcare, but their experiences with local health services are not always positive. Age and location greatly influence the value placed on high-quality health services and the experiences in accessing them. Regional and rural areas, as well as individuals aged 60 and above, prioritize access to high-quality health services but also report poorer experiences compared to metropolitan areas. Improving access to health services in regional areas can lead to significant advancements in quality of life and livability. Local councils play a role in advocating for and influencing the provision of health services in their communities.