Today it has been estimated that the average 70 year old has four chronic conditions and consumes an average of 35 PBS scripts per year for those conditions.

It is a fact that governments tend to put in place policies and strategies in response to current scenarios.

Community care is a fundamental, an essential, an enduring part of our aged care system.

And I believe that the best buy in public health today must be a combination of regular physical exercise and a healthy diet.

Prevention is one of the few known ways to reduce demand for health and aged care services.

We are already seeing older people wanting greater choice in how, when and where they receive care.

The Australian economy is resilient, but business and consumer confidence is fragile.