Latest news with #AustralianInstituteofHealthandWelfare
West Australian
27-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Australian hospitals facing strain as admissions soar
Australia's under-pressure hospital system is dealing with an extra 2.4 million admissions every year compared to a decade ago. There were 12.6 million patient admissions across all public and private facilities in 2023-24, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data released on Tuesday revealed. That includes all medical, surgical, newborn, intensive care, mental health, palliative and rehabilitation care. The exact number of individual patients cared for has not been made public, only the overall number of admissions, with many people treated more than once. Overall admissions are up by more than 23 per cent than in 2014-15, when the hospital system dealt with 10.2 million admissions each year. The rate of hospitalisations is up 3.95 per cent from 2014-15 to sit at 421 per 1000 people. The report did not specify reasons for the jump, however Australia is dealing with an ageing population like many developed nations. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders were the most expensive types of conditions by total cost, accounting for $5.2 billion overall. However, transplants, life support and other similar procedures were the most expensive on average, costing more than $157,000. Some three in 10 hospitalisations were for emergencies and seven in 10 were planned admissions or procedures. The average length of stay across the system was 2.7 days, slightly down from 2014-15, although Australian patients spent an extra five million extra days in hospital. Public hospitals took on 59 per cent of patients and private facilities cared for the remaining 41 per cent. "While most planned admissions were to private hospitals, the majority of emergency hospitalisations were treated in a public hospital," the institute's spokeswoman Clara Jellie said. Indigenous Australians were more likely to be admitted for a potentially preventable hospitalisation than the rest of the population, with 68.9 admissions per 1000 compared to 24.9 for other Australians. Acute care, which includes admissions for surgery, childbirth and diagnostic procedures, were up 4.9 per cent in public hospitals and 2.6 in private hospitals in the 12 months to June 20, 2024. The busiest month for admissions was May, while most people were admitted on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Perth Now
27-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Australian hospitals facing strain as admissions soar
Australia's under-pressure hospital system is dealing with an extra 2.4 million admissions every year compared to a decade ago. There were 12.6 million patient admissions across all public and private facilities in 2023-24, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data released on Tuesday revealed. That includes all medical, surgical, newborn, intensive care, mental health, palliative and rehabilitation care. The exact number of individual patients cared for has not been made public, only the overall number of admissions, with many people treated more than once. Overall admissions are up by more than 23 per cent than in 2014-15, when the hospital system dealt with 10.2 million admissions each year. The rate of hospitalisations is up 3.95 per cent from 2014-15 to sit at 421 per 1000 people. The report did not specify reasons for the jump, however Australia is dealing with an ageing population like many developed nations. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders were the most expensive types of conditions by total cost, accounting for $5.2 billion overall. However, transplants, life support and other similar procedures were the most expensive on average, costing more than $157,000. Some three in 10 hospitalisations were for emergencies and seven in 10 were planned admissions or procedures. The average length of stay across the system was 2.7 days, slightly down from 2014-15, although Australian patients spent an extra five million extra days in hospital. Public hospitals took on 59 per cent of patients and private facilities cared for the remaining 41 per cent. "While most planned admissions were to private hospitals, the majority of emergency hospitalisations were treated in a public hospital," the institute's spokeswoman Clara Jellie said. Indigenous Australians were more likely to be admitted for a potentially preventable hospitalisation than the rest of the population, with 68.9 admissions per 1000 compared to 24.9 for other Australians. Acute care, which includes admissions for surgery, childbirth and diagnostic procedures, were up 4.9 per cent in public hospitals and 2.6 in private hospitals in the 12 months to June 20, 2024. The busiest month for admissions was May, while most people were admitted on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
West Australian
26-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
April Long: Addiction isn't just a social issue, it's a drag on the economy
Australians have returned Labor to office and delivered a clear mandate to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. But amid promises of energy rebates, housing relief, and grocery price interventions, one major issue was conspicuously absent from the campaign trail: addiction and recovery support, despite its deep connection to economic and social wellbeing. Addiction affects millions of Australians every year. And not just individuals — families, communities, and workplaces. It has a profound economic and social toll but remains largely invisible in political discourse. As cost-of-living pressures intensify, so do the drivers of addiction: stress, disconnection, housing instability, and trauma. Treating addiction as a moral failing or personal weakness won't reduce these harms but investing in recovery will. With a renewed term, the Albanese Government has a critical opportunity to recognise addiction as a complex public health issue with far reaching consequences. That includes continued investment in modern, evidence-based recovery options that reflect the real lives and needs of Australians. Harmful alcohol use alone costs the Australian economy more than $14.4 billion annually, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. That figure doesn't account for gambling harm, illicit drug use, or the intergenerational effects of addiction on families and communities. I know those effects firsthand. I grew up with a parent experiencing addiction. The financial strain, the emotional volatility, and the constant unpredictability left a mark — not just on our family life, but on my sense of safety, identity, and future. Like many children in similar households, I learned early how invisible addiction can be. The re-elected Labor Government has already demonstrated a strong commitment to health equity, cost-of-living relief, and mental wellbeing and importantly, has recognised the value of evidence-based recovery. We encourage the government to fund a broader range of evidence-based recovery options, within mainstream health funding; support workforce development by training peer facilitators and clinicians in contemporary recovery models; integrate recovery services across systems including primary care, justice, housing, and employment; and invest in digital infrastructure and innovation, so that every Australian, no matter their postcode, can access timely, effective support. Recovery is about more than stopping harm. It's about rebuilding lives, restoring connections, and offering people hope, dignity, and choice. When we fail to invest in recovery, it's not just services that suffer, it's all Australians. People who are working, voting, and trying to survive. People like the ones I grew up with and the ones walking through our doors daily. This is public health reform, not moral rescue. It's about giving people real tools and real choices. It's time to give Australians more than one pathway to recovery. April Long is the chief executive of SMART Recovery Australia
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Australia Activewear Market and Competition Analysis Report 2025: The Market Generated Revenues of USD 8.12 Billion in 2024, and is Forecast to Generate USD 10.91 Billion by 2030
The Australia activewear market is capitalizing on opportunities driven by rising health consciousness and the popularity of athleisure. Consumers demand fashionable, functional, and sustainable apparel suitable for fitness and daily activities. Online retail expansion and digital marketing enhance brand reach and innovation. Dublin, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Australia Activewear Market by Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to Australia Activewear Market was valued at USD 8.12 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.91 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 5.11%. The market is witnessing strong growth, driven by increasing health consciousness, the widespread adoption of fitness routines, and the continued rise of athleisure as a dominant fashion choice. Consumers are looking for apparel that blends function with fashion, allowing seamless transition between workouts and everyday activities. Sustainability is also becoming a core focus, with growing demand for ethically produced and eco-friendly materials. The expansion of online retail and the influence of digital marketing are enhancing brand reach and consumer interaction. Both international and domestic brands are responding by delivering innovative, comfortable, and performance-driven products that align with the evolving expectations of the modern Australian consumer. Key Market Driver: Health and Wellness AwarenessA major factor driving the Australia activewear market is the heightened emphasis on health and wellness. Australians are increasingly engaging in physical activities such as gym workouts, yoga, outdoor sports, and fitness classes, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward active and healthy health initiatives and public awareness campaigns are further encouraging fitness participation across all age groups. Reports from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show consistent levels of weekly physical activity, underscoring the population's commitment to wellness. This active lifestyle is translating into growing demand for high-quality, functional, and stylish activewear that offers comfort, support, and performance enhancement, reinforcing its role as a wardrobe Market Challenge: Intense Market CompetitionThe Australia activewear market is highly competitive, with both international giants and local brands competing for consumer attention. Major global players such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Under Armour hold substantial market share, backed by wide product offerings and strong brand equity. Simultaneously, homegrown brands like Lorna Jane, Nimble Activewear, and P.E Nation have cultivated loyal followings with distinct brand crowded landscape creates challenges for new entrants and smaller brands, who face hurdles in scaling operations and standing out. Continuous innovation, high marketing spend, and competitive pricing strategies are required to remain relevant - efforts that can strain margins and Market Trend: Athleisure as a Lifestyle MovementThe rise of athleisure continues to be a defining trend in the Australian activewear market. Blurring the lines between activewear and everyday fashion, athleisure combines practicality with modern aesthetics, making it a preferred choice for consumers seeking style and Australia's relaxed and climate-friendly environment, consumers increasingly wear activewear - such as leggings, joggers, and crop tops - for a range of activities beyond fitness, including casual outings and working from home. Brands are innovating to meet this demand with trend-driven silhouettes, neutral color palettes, and minimalist designs that offer versatility and fashion appeal alongside performance Players Profiled in this Australia Activewear Market Report Adidas AG Nike, Inc. PUMA SE Columbia Sportswear Company VF Corporation PVH Corp. ASICS Corporation SKECHERS USA, Inc. Under Armour, Inc. Fila Holdings Corp. Report ScopeIn this report, the Australia Activewear Market has been segmented into the following categories:Australia Activewear Market, by Product Type: Ready to Wear Fashion Outer Pants & T-Shirts Rash Guard Wet Suit & Swim Wear Others Australia Activewear Market, by Gender: Men Women Kids Australia Activewear Market, by Distribution Channel: Offline Online Australia Activewear Market, by Region: Australia Capital Territory & New South Wales Northern Territory & Southern Australia Western Australia Queensland Victoria & Tasmania Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 81 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $8.12 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $10.91 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.1% Regions Covered Australia For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
West Australian
21-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Bev Jowle: Elder abuse and coercive control are Australia's hidden shame
Elder abuse and coercive control are Australia's hidden shame. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in six people over the age of 65 have experienced elder abuse in the past year. That's 15 per cent of older Australians. At Advocare, we've seen a big increase in reports of elder abuse in our community which is a cause for much concern. This abuse often starts with coercive control, typically over financial resources, technology or aged care support. Coercive control is a manipulative and repetitive form of abuse used to exert control over another person, taking away their freedom and independence. Often, because it's the people closest to them who cause harm, when an older person realises they are a victim, they are ashamed and genuinely wonder how it happened to them. This leaves them in an extremely vulnerable position because they may not recognise they are experiencing abuse or mistreatment, making them less likely to seek help. Or they're aware of what's happening but choose not to seek help to maintain a relationship with the abuser. To complicate matters, older people have the right to get help, but they also have the right not to. Since most are harmed by someone they know and love, acknowledging the abuse can seem overwhelming. A strong sense of shame often pervades, and this is especially true of older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people where family honour is a central part of the culture. The most common reasons older Australians don't report abuse are: fear of retaliation; shame or embarrassment; a desire to protect the person causing harm; dependence on the person causing harm for care; feelings of powerlessness; not recognising the behaviour as abuse. Coercive control is frequently mixed with caring behaviour from the person doing harm, especially in the early stages of abuse. This inconsistency, and the fact it frequently does not involve physical violence, leaves coercive control difficult to recognise and even more difficult to prove. If the abuse goes unnoticed, the person causing harm gains more control, cutting the older person out of decision-making and isolating them from friends and family. They might also manage the older person's finances and limit access to their own money or property. Technology-facilitated incidents of coercive control are also being seen more often. The goal is to isolate older people and make them feel helpless to escape the abuse. It covers a range of behaviours which can be difficult for outsiders to detect. Another tactic used to isolate and control older people is blocking or removing contacts on their phone. This means an older person can't phone other people who might be able to support them. Financial gain is one of the biggest drivers of coercive control and takes multiple forms including restricting or refusing an older person's money being used on essential support and services, aids and equipment. This is done to conserve money, so their inheritance increases. As people live longer, and cost-of-living pressures spiral, family members can access the savings and assets of the older person, often without their consent, and spend it on their own living expenses or luxury items such as holidays. Housing affordability issues have contributed to 'assets for care' arrangements where property or money is handed over by an older person in exchange for permanent care. It's an attractive option for people who don't want to move to an aged care home. Inter-generational living arrangements often mean older people are moved into a granny flat and younger family members occupy the main home. While shared housing arrangements are wonderful when they work, it can spell disaster when things go wrong. If the older person is not legally on the property title, they can end up homeless. Older people experiencing gaslighting, manipulation or social isolation are in a vulnerable position impacting their safety, quality of life, and even their longevity. It's essential they get support so we can stop abuse before it starts. Advocare confidential Elder Abuse Helpline 1300 724 679 Bev Jowle is the chief executive officer of Advocare
