Low socioeconomic status is a major risk factor for poor health, this report finds. Comparing the rates of chronic disease and mortality across socioeconomic boundaries, it shows health disparities are persistent and growing. It highlights the need for urgent policy action to mitigate the health impacts of disadvantage and reduce the burden of chronic diseases on Australia's most vulnerable populations.

The report draws on data from various sources to present a comprehensive analysis of chronic disease prevalence and premature mortality across different socioeconomic groups in Australia. it focuses on prevalent chronic conditions including cancer, heart disease, stroke and vascular disease, diabetes, mental illness, and dementia. It examines trends in disease prevalence over time, highlighting the widening gap between the most and least disadvantaged for almost all of the chronic conditions studied. The report also analyses premature mortality rates, demonstrating  that those experiencing high levels of disadvantage are not only more likely to have chronic diseases but also to die prematurely from them.

Key findings

• Almost 1 in 2 Australians have a chronic disease.
• Almost 1 in 3 living in the most disadvantaged areas have two or more chronic conditions, compared to 1 in 8 of those living in the least disadvantaged. 
• Those in the most disadvantaged quintile are 50% more likely to die prematurely from chronic conditions.
• Health disparities between socioeconomic groups are persistent and are generally widening.

The accompanying paper, Getting Australia's health on track: priority policy actions for a healthier Australia, presents policy proposals across four key objectives, intended to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes in disadvantaged communities:

1. Enhance community capability and capacity through systematic collaboration and place-based, community development.
2. Create healthier environments through the appropriate use of planning, regulation and legislation.
3. Investment in tailored preventive health initiatives for disadvantaged communities.
4. Ensure equitable access to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare.