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We collect, analyse and publish estimates of expenditure on health and welfare. We also focus on the cost of health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, expenditure on public health activities by governments and the cost of diseases.

How much Australia spends on health and welfare, where the money to fund the expenditure comes from and the types of goods and services that attract expenditure are all important elements in understanding the efficiency and effectiveness of Australia's health and welfare systems. This involves being aware not only of the overall level of expenditure, but also of the societal, political and economic pressures that influence the way funding is provided and used. Expenditure is analysed in terms of who provides the services, who funds them and what types of services are funded.

Important issues regarding health and welfare expenditure include:

  • Which areas are expanding the most rapidly and which areas are contracting in terms of funding?
  • Who finances these services?
  • How does expenditure by the Australian Government compare with that of state and territory governments?
  • How does expenditure compare between states and territories?
  • What are the respective roles of the government and private sectors in financing these services?

Further information