AUSTRALIANS are now the second-longest-living people on earth with falling death rates for cancer, heart disease, stroke and injury, but the indigenous population continues to die earlier.

The latest comparative study of the nation's overall health by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) - the government body responsible for compiling health statistics - shows that a baby born in Australia today can expect to live for 81.4 years, with men expected to live for 79 years and women for almost 84. Australians' life expectancy is bettered only by the Japanese at 82.2 years.

Photo: James Brickwood

But according to the Australia's Health 2008 report, indigenous people continue to trail in life expectancy and mortality rates.

"Not all groups within the Australian community are so fortunate - among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, life expectancy at birth is around 17 years less," the report says.