Indigenous Poverty in Australia

Aboriginals suffer in Australia just as they do in many other parts of the world. Their life expectancy is about 20 years less than the rest of the population and only 24% of the men are expected to make it to the age of 65.

• Aboriginal children are more likely to have hearing loss from repeated ear infections and they are three times more likely to die before the age of one.

• 60% of Indigenous people are working for low wages at low skill occupations.

• 31% of their houses need repaired according to a national survey in 2001.

• Only 13% have running water with appropriate sanitation facilities.

Aboriginals need more supports in place for training and employment as well as for affordable housing and health care. The present health care is not affordable which is why many children go without it.

No one should have to go without a reliable water supply but Aboriginals also have the right to have access to simple things such as electricity, healthy food, education and essential health care.

Because most Indigenous people live in remote areas the food is too expensive which contributes to increased malnutrition and illnesses. It is also hard for children to concentrate in school when they are hungry. Only 38% of Indigenous students complete high school.

There seems to be some confusion on which pays for what and the state and territory governments along with the Commonwealth often pass the buck stating that they are not responsible. Someone in the government needs to take responsibility.

Reference: Indigenous Health in Australia (Fred Hollows Foundation, 2004)

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