The Wire

A new government report has confirmed what many in the Bush have believed for years – the health of people living in rural areas is significantly worse than their city counterparts. The report by the Federal Government body, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, found that rural and regional Australians have a shorter life expectancy, higher death rates and are more likely to have a disability. While unhealthy lifestyle habits – such as higher rates of smoking and drinking – have contributed to this, the report found that a lack of health services and skilled doctors in the bush have also contributed to the situation. The author of the report, Andrew Philips spoke to Erica Vowles earlier today. Declining to comment on government policy, Mr Phillips instead outlined the factors contributing to the poorer health of rural and regional Australia.