Here’s a really sensitive issue that thankfully hasn’t hit the election campaign barometer … the quality of death.

Australia, it turns out, sits at the very top of the global Quality of Death Index, just compiled for the Economist Intelligence Unit.

We’re top of the world measured by four criteria: basic end-of-life healthcare environment, availability of end-of-life care, cost of end-of-life care and quality of end-of-life care:

death

What this reveals is that Australia (as well as equal #1 Britain) leads the world in its commitment of resources and compassion to the dignity of its citizens’ sunset years.

Going by the form of the campaign so far, there’s a lot to be depressed about from both sides. But we’ll take the glass half full approach today: at least we’re really good at dying.

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It’s the one and only leaders’ debate of the election this Sunday, so join the Crikey team liveblog from 6:30pm onwards to talks all things Tony, Julia and the worm.

And just to spice things up, we’ll then shamelessly turn over to the MasterChef finale. After all, as our Prime Minister has kindly acknowledged, “I can understand the fascination with cooking and eating, so I know many Australians will watch that show.”

Log on and tune in, with printed copy of our patented First Dog Real Time Strip-Drinking Nudie Shark Bingo in hand, for your chance to get naked with Speers, the worm, Callum, some creme brulee and a cravat.