An overview of the economic impact of Indigenous disadvantage

• Reconciliation Australia

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30 September 2008Closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people would deliver sizeable economic benefits and increase living standards for all Australians, according to this analysis of the economy-wide advantages from improving the quality of life of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians over the next 20 years, including:

• GDP in 2029 would be 1% higher than otherwise (equivalent to around $10 billion today)

• Government revenue up by $4.6 billion

• Government expenditure down by $3.7 billion.

The report concludes there is a “clear economic justification for government action to reduce Indigenous disadvantage” based on a reduction in the burden of disease and an improvement in the ability of Indigenous Australians to contribute to and share economic prosperity.