Recent findings from Wesfarmers’ Australia’s Health Index 2025 position the Curtin electorate as one of the healthiest regions in the country, particularly in terms of heart health risks. The report, released this week, analyzed over three million SiSU digital health checks conducted for free at pharmacies across Australia during the 2024/25 financial year.
According to the data, Western Australia (WA) emerged as the second healthiest state, following the Australian Capital Territory. The Curtin electorate achieved an impressive health index score of 265, significantly higher than the national average of 107. This score indicates robust heart disease risk management among residents. Notably, Curtin boasts the lowest rate of type 2 diabetes in Australia, with only 2% of individuals surveyed exhibiting the chronic condition.
Health Disparities and Socioeconomic Influences
In contrast, the O’Connor and Brand electorates were identified as the least healthy in WA, each recording an index score of 87. While O’Connor ranked poorly overall, it still held the third lowest type 2 diabetes rate in the country. Professor Jason Kovacic, chief executive of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and adjunct professor at the University of Western Australia, noted that the stark differences in health outcomes between WA electorates can largely be attributed to socioeconomic factors.
“Curtin does have the highest score in WA, and that’s double the state average even,” Kovacic stated. He explained that disparities in access to quality food, exercise trends, smoking rates, and obesity significantly impact health outcomes.
Despite WA’s overall health standing, the report highlighted concerning trends. Obesity rates have risen to affect one in four residents, and 25% of those who completed the SiSU health check reported high blood pressure. Alarmingly, one in three West Australians is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next five years.
Emerging Health Concerns and Recommendations
For the first time, the health index included data on vaping, revealing that 7.5% of West Australians engage in this habit, slightly higher than the national average of 7%. Professor Kovacic expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of vaping, calling it an emerging threat to public health.
“WA doesn’t top the tables in any of those heart health risk factors, so there really is a lot for us to be pleased about for the state,” he commented. “However, cardiometabolic disease remains one of Australia’s leading killers. We have a long way to go.”
To combat these health issues, Kovacic emphasized eight key areas where individuals can enhance their heart health: maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing weight, monitoring blood pressure, controlling cholesterol and glucose levels, avoiding smoking, and ensuring adequate sleep.
The findings from the Australia’s Health Index 2025 serve as a critical reminder of the importance of health awareness and the need for continued public health initiatives in Australia.
