Cancer and Heart Disease are by far the major causes of death in Australia. Surveillance indicates that AIDS incidence peaked during 1994. A steady decline in AIDS incidence was observed from 1994 to 1996, attributable to the fall in HIV transmission in the mid 1980s. The decline in AIDS incidence observed in 1997-98 was probably due to the introduction of more effective antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV infection. It is estimated that there were 11,800 people living with HIV infection in Australia.
Most children start primary school at about five years of age.
Each State and Territory has developed its own approach to schooling, particularly in relation to the structure of pre-Year One education and the transition from primary to secondary schooling. Primary schooling in most States and Territories begins with a preparatory or kindergarten year, followed by six or seven primary grades, then a further five or six years to complete a full secondary course of study. In total, most States and Territories have 13 years of schooling. Tertiary education is mainly provided through universities, TAFE institutions and other Vocational Education and Training institutions such as secretarial colleges, theological colleges, and private business and commercial colleges. In spite of Australia's harsh environment, agriculture is the most extensive form of land use.