Key Inquiry Question 1:
How healthy are Australians?

In this key inquiry question, you examine the health status of Australians using evidence from health reports, tables and graphs. The focus is not on memorising isolated figures. It is on understanding the trends in health, interpreting what the data shows, identifying where inequities exist, and explaining why patterns differ across groups and countries. You analyse the health of Australians overall, investigate groups experiencing poorer outcomes, compare Australia with other OECD countries, examine major chronic conditions, and explore the implications of an ageing population. This section strengthens your ability to use evidence to make informed conclusions about the health of Australians.

1.1 – Analyse the current health status of Australians from Australia’s Health and other health reports, tables and graphs

You begin by analysing the current health status of Australians using credible health data. This includes examining the major causes of morbidity and mortality, patterns in life expectancy, and broader changes in health behaviours and outcomes. Because the syllabus uses the verb analyse, you are expected to do more than describe what a graph or table shows. You need to identify important components of the data, explain relationships between them, and draw out what those patterns suggest about Australian health. This also includes considering the sociological causes of risky health behaviours and identifying where inequities remain and what responses may be needed.

1.2 – Analyse groups experiencing inequities in health, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and one other group

You then analyse groups experiencing inequities in health, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and one other specified group such as socioeconomically disadvantaged people, those in rural and remote areas, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, people with disability, or older people. In this section, you use data to identify patterns of unequal outcomes and then explain how the determinants of health interact to shape those outcomes. This means examining how factors such as income, education, access to services, location, cultural safety, discrimination, employment, housing and social support can combine to influence health. The focus is not just on identifying disadvantage, but on understanding what underpins it and what actions may improve health status.

1.3 – Compare the health status of Australia with that of other OECD countries

You also compare the health status of Australia with that of other OECD countries. This requires you to look at where Australia ranks, why that may be the case, why some countries rank higher or lower, and what Australia may learn from those comparisons. The teaching advice makes it clear that students should draw conclusions from comparisons between populations using indicators such as employment, education, life expectancy, infant mortality, and issues of equity and access to health and education services. This means international comparison is not simply about league tables. It is about examining how broader social conditions and healthcare structures contribute to differences in health outcomes.

1.4 – Examine cardiovascular disease, cancer and ONE other condition in Australia using Australia’s Health and other health reports

You then examine cardiovascular disease, cancer, and one other condition in Australia. This includes analysing the mortality, morbidity, prevalence and incidence of each condition, along with the relevant risk factors and protective factors. You also examine where and for whom these conditions are changing. This helps you build a clearer understanding of how major health conditions affect the Australian population and how patterns vary depending on age, location, behaviour, access to care, and other determinants. The goal is to connect the data to real health challenges facing both the healthcare system and the broader population.

1.5 – Investigate the impact of an ageing population on Australia’s health

Finally, you investigate the impact of a growing and ageing population on Australia’s health. This includes examining what the data shows, what healthy ageing means, what opportunities and challenges arise from an ageing population, and what current and future strategies are needed to support it. As the population ages, patterns of disease, demand for services, workforce pressures, aged care needs and health expenditure all change. This means the ageing population is not just a demographic trend. It is a major health issue that affects how governments, services and communities plan for the future.

By completing this key inquiry question, you develop a stronger understanding of how healthy Australians are overall, why some groups experience poorer outcomes, how Australia compares internationally, and how evidence can be used to identify priorities for future action.