Chronic lack of support for chronic disease

Victoria University (VU) researchers are calling on both sides of politics to address chronic disease with tailored and impactful investment to improve access to healthcare for low-socioeconomic communities. 

VU’s Australia’s Health Tracker: Chronic Conditions by Socioeconomic Status, highlights that over half of Australians now live with a chronic condition.

Communities and individuals experiencing higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage also experience disproportionately high rates of chronic disease and premature death.  

The most disadvantaged communities in Australia are experiencing twice the rates of premature death, cancer and heart disease, and about three times the rate of diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (i.e. lung disease), compared with the most advantaged areas. People living in the lowest socioeconomic areas in regional and remote areas within Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania are more likely than other Australians to suffer from multiple chronic conditions and to be at risk of premature death.  

Premature deaths from major chronic diseases in non-metro areas by Australian state or territory - most vs least disadvantaged areas*: 

Capital cities face similar issues. For those in the lowest socioeconomic areas, the Tracker shows they are not getting the access to healthcare and health education they need. Hobart, Darwin and Brisbane had the highest average deaths from chronic disease. 

Report lead Professor Rosemary Calder said addressing this takes more than increased Medicare funding or super health hubs. 

“The contribution of chronic conditions to total disease burden across the population has never been greater. While Australians are living longer lives than ever before, they are spending more years in ill-health, leading to increased health service demand and healthcare expenditure,” Professor Calder said.  

Premature deaths from major chronic disease capital cities - most vs least disadvantaged areas**:

“How can we knowingly let down our poorest communities,” Professor Calder said.  

We need meaningful and substantial investment immediately. Without it, we will see many more Australians needing high levels of health care and dying from preventable deaths.

To respond to this, Getting Australia’s Health on Track report provides 10 key policy recommendations: 

• Establish a national framework and fund for local collaboration and coordination of place-based initiatives. 
• Establish long-term funding for community organisations and service providers.
• Regenerate a community development workforce and provide support for volunteer involvement.
• Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plans should be mandatory in all state and territory jurisdictions.
• Implement health and wellbeing overlays in all state and territory planning schemes.
• Invest in prevention through improving health literacy within communities.
• Strengthen systematic collaboration between Primary Health Networks and Local Health Services in preventative health.
• Provide long-term flexible funding for coordinated multidisciplinary team-based care.
• Reduce stigma and discrimination in health and community services.
• Reduce financial access barriers in rural, remote and disadvantaged areas. 

Further information 

To speak to Professor Calder, contact: 
Gemma Williams
Media and Communications Manager (Research and Impact)
Victoria University
0401 664 047
[email protected]    

*Average annual premature deaths per 100,000 population from cancer, diabetes, circulatory system diseases and respiratory system disease age 30-70, between 2017-2021.

** Average annual premature deaths per 100,000 population from cancer, diabetes, circulatory system diseases and respiratory system disease age 30-70, between 2017-2021.