Needs, Characteristics, Access and Equity issues

ATSI – Characteristics

Lower socioeconomic status (SES); younger population (40% under 15 years); 25% live in remote/very remote areas; more likely to leave school early; higher unemployment rates

ATSI – Needs

Culturally appropriate healthcare; more health infrastructure in Indigenous communities; targeted chronic disease prevention programs

ATSI – Access Issues

Remote location limits healthcare access; long travel distances and specialist wait times; lower standard of health infrastructure; lack of trust in mainstream health services

ATSI – Equity Issues / Health Concerns

Higher rates of CVD, CKD, diabetes and mental illness; lower life expectancy; higher smoking, alcohol use and obesity; systemic racism and discrimination; greater burden of disease

CALD – Characteristics

Born overseas and migrated to Australia; English often a second language; may have refugee backgrounds

CALD – Needs

Qualified interpreters and translators; culturally appropriate health resources; community and social support networks

CALD – Access Issues

Language barriers; difficulty understanding healthcare systems; cultural beliefs may not align with healthcare services; low health literacy

CALD – Equity Issues / Health Concerns

Discrimination and stigma; migration-related stress; mental health issues; delayed treatment due to poor understanding of services; financial hardship reducing healthcare access

Elderly – Characteristics

Aged 65+ years; 1 in 5 experience severe or profound disability; more likely to have chronic diseases

Elderly – Needs

Better access to healthcare; access to aged care services; greater employment, education and income support opportunities where appropriate

Elderly – Access Issues

Transport difficulties; mobility, vision and hearing limitations; limited access to modern technology; need assistance accessing services

Elderly – Equity Issues / Health Concerns

Higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and dementia; social isolation and loneliness; ageism in healthcare; financial barriers due to fixed incomes; inconsistent quality of aged care services

Veterans – Characteristics

Current or former military personnel; majority male; over half aged 65+; large numbers of former service members

Veterans – Needs

Mental health services; trauma-informed healthcare; specialist support services

Veterans – Access Issues

Difficulty navigating support systems; physical disabilities limiting access; stigma surrounding mental health treatment

Veterans – Equity Issues / Health Concerns

PTSD, depression and anxiety; high demand for psychiatric services; co-occurring physical and mental health conditions; difficulty integrating into civilian life; financial hardship resulting from mental illness

Incarcerated – Characteristics

People in prison or awaiting trial; higher proportion of males; average age around 33 years; lower educational attainment

Incarcerated – Needs

Substance abuse programs; education and skills training; infectious disease management

Incarcerated – Access Issues

Prison security can delay healthcare; restricted treatment options; poor continuity of care after release

Incarcerated – Equity Issues / Health Concerns

High rates of mental illness; greater burden of chronic disease; increased infectious diseases such as hepatitis and tuberculosis; stigma and healthcare bias

Rural and Remote – Characteristics

More older people; higher rates of low SES; trade and labour occupations common; geographic isolation

Rural and Remote – Needs

Better healthcare access; aged care services; increased employment and education opportunities; mobile healthcare services

Rural and Remote – Access Issues

Fewer hospitals and specialists; long travel distances; reduced bulk-billing services; limited preventive healthcare programs

Rural and Remote – Equity Issues / Health Concerns

Higher rates of CVD, diabetes, COPD and CKD; lower life expectancy; higher smoking, alcohol use and obesity rates; greater suicide rates; higher healthcare and living costs

Homeless – Characteristics

No stable or secure housing; living rough, in shelters or temporary accommodation; higher proportion of males; significant ATSI representation

Homeless – Needs

Mobile healthcare services; increased public, social and crisis housing options

Homeless – Access Issues

Lack of identification for Medicare access; transport difficulties; cost barriers to healthcare and medication

Homeless – Equity Issues / Health Concerns

Life expectancy around 30 years lower than the general population; high rates of chronic disease and injury; mental illness prevalence; substance abuse issues; discrimination and stigma from healthcare providers

LGBTIQ+ – Characteristics

Approximately 10% of 16–24 year olds identify as LGBTIQ+; higher rates of smoking and illicit drug use than the general population

LGBTIQ+ – Needs

Inclusive and culturally safe healthcare; mental health support services; community support and protection from discrimination

LGBTIQ+ – Access Issues

Lack of inclusive healthcare services; limited provider training; fear of discrimination or being judged; greater difficulties in rural and remote areas

LGBTIQ+ – Equity Issues / Health Concerns

Higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide; increased violence and abuse; higher substance use; underrepresentation in health records; discrimination and social exclusion

PLWD – Characteristics

Around 1 in 5 Australians have a disability; more common among older Australians; lower employment rates; higher rates of sexual assault

PLWD – Needs

Accessible buildings and services; assistive technologies (hearing aids, mobility aids, screen readers); coordinated care through NDIS, aged care and health services; equal employment opportunities and wages

PLWD – Access Issues

Physical barriers such as stairs and inaccessible equipment; communication barriers; lack of disability-specific supports and trained professionals

PLWD – Equity Issues / Health Concerns

Ableism and discrimination; financial hardship due to unemployment and healthcare costs; social isolation; poor access to specialists in rural and remote areas; reduced access to healthcare and treatment options