This report presents new data on vulnerability experienced by older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. It brings together data from more than twenty sources and shows that many Indigenous people have complex and varied needs.

In 2017–18, 952 publicly-funded alcohol and other drug treatment services provided just under 210,000 treatment episodes to an estimated 130,000 clients. The four most common drugs that led clients to seek treatment were alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis and heroin. Two-thirds (66%) of all clients receiving treatment were male and the median age of clients was 34.

In permanent residential aged care, around 2,000 younger people (aged under 65) take up care every year. Their pathways into care are often short, but once in permanent care, their care needs vary considerably—from short stays due to palliative care, to long stays due to common older age-related conditions.

This report provides an assessment of state and territory performance against 4 of the 5 performance benchmarks outlined in the National Partnership on Essential Vaccines, for the assessment period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of illness and death. With increasing recognition that aspects of its prevention, treatment and management are unique to women, this report focuses on the impact of cardiovascular disease on the health of Australian women.