This publication presents summary results from the 2004–05 National Health Survey (NHS) conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) from August 2004 to June 2005. Approximately 25,900 people from all States and Territories and across all age groups were included. One adult (aged 18 years or more) and one child (where applicable) from each sampled dwelling were included in the survey. The survey was designed to obtain national benchmarks on a wide range of health issues, and to enable changes in health to be monitored over time.