The burden of chronic diseases is a major public policy challenge that threatens the health of individuals and communities and Australia's future economic prosperity. We have an unacceptably high rate of risk factors for chronic diseases, including obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol misuse and poor nutrition. Action is urgently required in relation to modifiable risk factors that contribute to disease and disability in Australia. This paper proposes a set of national chronic disease targets and indicators as a means of measuring progress and enhancing accountability for action.