Syllabus alignment with Australia’s Health Report 

How healthy are we?  

The Australia’s Health 2024 Health in Brief report highlights that Australians enjoy one of the highest life expectancies globally, with ongoing improvements in medical care and disease prevention. However, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer remain leading causes of illness and death. Mental health conditions are also a growing concern, particularly among young people. 

While overall health is strong, disparities exist between population groups. Understanding these trends helps students analyse epidemiological data and recognise the importance of preventive health strategies, vaccinations, and early interventions in improving national health outcomes and reducing the burden of disease. 

In addition to understanding health trends in Australia, Year 12 students are now required to compare the health status of Australia with that of other OECD countries. In doing so, students should seek to understand why Australia ranks so high in the ratings, why other countries have a higher or lower rank, and how can we learn from other countries to improve our health outcomes in Australia. 

What influences our health? 

Health outcomes are shaped by behavioural, environmental, and social factors. The Australia’s Health 2024 report identifies smoking, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity as key lifestyle risks. While smoking rates continue to decline, obesity and mental health concerns are increasing. 

Social determinants—such as income, education, housing, and employment—also play a crucial role. Lower socioeconomic groups experience higher rates of chronic disease and reduced access to healthcare. Additionally, environmental factors, including climate change and pollution, affect health outcomes. 

It is important to note that when teaching about the influences on our health (language from the report), connections should be drawn to the determinants of health (syllabus language). Teaching these influences (determinants) helps students understand how individual choices and broader social policies impact health equity and long-term well-being.  

 Our health system  

Australia’s health system provides high-quality care but faces challenges in funding, access, and workforce shortages. The AIHW 2024 report shows health expenditure reached $241.3 billion in 2021–22, with governments, private health insurance, and individuals contributing. 

Medicare ensures universal access, yet gaps exist, particularly in rural and remote communities. Primary care, hospitals, and emerging digital health technologies play key roles. Preventive health initiatives, such as vaccination programs, reduce strain on services. 

As teachers, it is essential to provide students with opportunities to an analyse how the system functions, funding structures, and the impact of policies on population health, fostering their ability to assess healthcare efficiency and accessibility. 

Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples  

The Australia’s Health 2024 report highlights persistent health inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Life expectancy is lower, and chronic disease rates, including diabetes and kidney disease, are higher than for non-Indigenous Australians. Social determinants, including housing, education, and access to culturally appropriate care, contribute to these disparities. The Closing the Gap initiative aims to reduce inequalities through targeted health programs. Improved access to community-led healthcare services and stronger integration of Indigenous perspectives in policymaking are crucial. 

Providing students opportunity to assess the impact of health inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples assists them to understand the complex challenge of improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. With broader knowledge of epidemiological data specific to First Nations Australian’s students are more likely to be able to critically evaluate strategies such as Close the Gap, for improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities in Indigenous health. 

How does health vary? 

Health outcomes in Australia vary by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geography. According to Australia’s Health 2024, older Australians experience higher rates of chronic disease, while young people face increasing mental health challenges. Women generally live longer than men but experience higher rates of osteoporosis and mental health conditions. Rural and remote populations encounter limited healthcare access and higher mortality rates. Socioeconomic disadvantage is linked to poorer health outcomes. It is essential that students have access to knowledge that can help them understand how different groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples experience health inequities. 

Understanding the different groups that experience inequities in health can assist students to analyse epidemiological data, explore the role of targeted health interventions, and evaluate strategies for addressing inequities across different Australian population groups. 

Challenges in deciphering the Australia’s Health Report 

Interpreting extensive reports like the AIHW’s Australia’s Health 2024: In Brief, can be daunting due to the complexity and volume of data presented. Too often as teachers we have the best intentions to break the report down into manageable content for our students however the best laid plans are often disrupted due to the reality of the size of the task. Additionally, the introduction of the new HMS syllabus has added an extra layer of workloads as teachers try to decipher the Australia’s Health 2024: In Brief and align it to new curriculum requirements. 

The report encompasses a wide array of health indicators, statistical analyses, and trend data, which can be overwhelming. However, by focusing on the report’s summaries and key findings, and relating them directly to syllabus topics, educators can extract pertinent information to enhance their teaching.