Growing inequalities in Australians’ life expectancy highlights city-country divide

Data shows premature deaths drastically higher in lowest socioeconomic areas, with smoking, obesity and lack of essential services a driving factor

While Australians have among the highest life expectancy in the world, premature deaths associated with inequality and living in remote and regional areas are contributing to a stagnation in the nation's overall life expectancy.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne analysed de-identified death registration data from the decade to the end of 2016. The data recorded age of death and place of residence, allowing analysts to match it to location remoteness and socioeconomic profile.