This paper analyses life expectancy by Australian federal electorates and examines other OECD countries in comparison with Australia. 

It finds that improvements in life expectancy correlate with levels of healthy living and poorer access to healthcare. Relative economic equality also favours higher life expectancy. 

At some point electoral advantage will have to give way to other levers if higher life expectancy is to be achieved for all residents, especially in terms of social equalisation.

Key points

• Within Australia the difference in life expectancy observed in the electorates runs parallel with the level of social advantage.
• In Australia, life expectancy is highest in inner capital cities and lowest in outer rural and remote locations.
• Within the OECD there appears to be a direct relationship between health expenditure (per capita) and life expectancy.
• Japan is well ahead of other OECD countries for life expectancy. Its overall healthcare characteristics differ substantially from the Australian approach.