The core public health activities in public health expenditure reporting are defined as 'nine types of activities undertaken or funded by the key jurisdictional health departments that address issues related to populations, rather than individuals. Does not include treatment services.' (AIHW 2004b: 145) Government-funded public health activity is described as an important part of the Australian health care system, with public health activities generally representing the organised response of society to protect and promote the current and future health of the whole population or of specific subgroups of the population, which can be viewed as a form of investment in the overall health status of the nation. (AIHW 2004b: 1)