12 July 2018: Australia’s Health Report 2018 has been released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. University of Canberra experts are available to discuss some of the report’s key findings:
- More Australian teenagers saying ‘no’ to smoking, alcohol and illicit drugs. Professor of Psychology Debra Rickwood can comment on why teenagers in Australia are smoking and drinking less and the effects of peer mentality on their decision-making.
- Nine in 10 nurses are women, compared with four in 10 medical practitioners and dentists. Eamon Merrick, an assistant professor of nursing, and Jane Frost, Deputy Head of Nursing, can comment on why the nursing profession in Australia continues to be dominated by women.
- Spending on health has grown by about 50 per cent in real terms over the past decade, from $113 billion ($5,500 per person) in 2006–07 to $170 billion ($7,100 per person) in 2015–16. Professor of Public Health Tom Cochrane can comment on the importance of committing resources towards preventative health measures given the inexorable rise in health spending.
- Around 45 per cent of Australians aged 16–85 will experience a mental illness in their life. Dr Vivienne Lewis, an assistant professor of psychology, can comment on mental illness and its impact on the overall health and wellbeing of Australians.
Please note: our experts can provide comment on the report findings and how they relate to broader issues in Australian society. They will not comment on methodology specifics or details about the study.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Tara Corcoran: 0418 806 293 / Tara.Corcoran@canberra.edu.au
Antony Perry: 0434 795 919 / Antony.Perry@canberra.edu.au