• Australian Bureau of Statistics

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01 November 2010

This release provides a comprehensive statistical overview, largely at the national level, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and welfare. Focussing on topics considered important for the health of Australia's Indigenous population this release presents the latest analysis and results from key national statistical collections including: the 2008 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey; the 2004-05 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey; and the 2006 Census of Population and Housing.

Following on from the previous biennial series of printed reports, this electronic release aims to present comprehensive analysis on a more frequent basis. Information presented will be regularly updated as new source data becomes available, and the range of topics covered will be expanded as new analysis is incorporated.

Key findings:

• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population comprises around 2.5% of the Australian population and is relatively young.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have lower life expectancy than non-Indigenous Australians.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language and culture is being maintained.
• Socioeconomic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians continue to improve, but remain below those for non-Indigenous Australians.