Australians born today live more than 20 years longer than their counterparts a century ago. This gain in our longevity has been achieved through a variety of incremental improvements in health and aged care expenditure, occupational safety, environmental interventions (in particular in relation to water and sanitation), and technological advances driven by research and innovation, together with concern for public welfare and social justice. Such investments reflect the value we place on life, health and wellbeing.