Question 21 — Health Priorities in Australia (20 marks) (a) Identify reasons for the differences in health care expenditure and health promotion expenditure in Australia. - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 21 - 2004 - Paper 1

In Australia, the differences in health care expenditure and health promotion expenditure can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Allocation of Funding: The majority of funding is directed towards health care services, particularly for clinical treatments and hospital services. This can be attributed to the immediate need for medical attention that patients face, thereby necessitating a larger budget allocation for health care as opposed to preventative health measures.

2. Population Needs: The demographic profile of the Australian population greatly influences spending. An aging population with a higher prevalence of chronic diseases drives up the demand for health care services. This need often overshadows the value placed on health promotion initiatives, which may not have immediate visible impacts.

3. Public Perception and Awareness: There tends to be a stronger public perception of the necessity of reactive health care services over proactive health promotion. Initiatives aimed at health promotion may not evoke urgency or importance among citizens, leading to less governmental and societal support.

4. Policy Focus: Health care policy in Australia has historically prioritized immediate health interventions over long-term health promotion strategies, leading to discrepancies in funding. The National Health Priority Areas focus more on treatment and intervention rather than on prevention.

5. Technological Advancements: Advances in medical technology require significant investment in health care facilities and services. As the reliance on advanced medical interventions increases, funding for preventive measures, like health promotion, often diminishes to accommodate these expenditures.