Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Peoples of Australia and represent the world’s oldest continuing cultures. They are diverse nations and communities with distinct languages, cultural practices, histories, knowledge systems and connections to Country, kinship and community.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as at 30 June 2021 there were approximately 983,700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Australia, representing 3.8% of the total Australian population. Of this population, approximately 91.7% identified as Aboriginal, 4.0% identified as Torres Strait Islander, and 4.3% identified as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. [1]
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples live across urban, regional, rural and remote areas of Australia. Experiences, cultures, languages, priorities and health outcomes vary significantly between communities and regions, including within the Torres Strait, Central Australia, metropolitan areas and remote communities.
While many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience strong cultural identity, and community connection, the ongoing impacts of colonisation, racism, intergenerational trauma and unequal access to healthcare, housing, education and employment continue to contribute to disparities in health and wellbeing.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to experience a higher burden of chronic disease and mental health challenges compared with non-Indigenous Australians. Despite these challenges, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to lead innovative, culturally grounded responses that strengthen health and wellbeing outcomes.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across Australia provide holistic, culturally safe and community-led healthcare that integrates physical, social, emotional and cultural wellbeing. The Aboriginal community-controlled sector has played a significant role in improving access to healthcare, supporting prevention and early intervention initiatives, strengthening workforce development, and advocating for self-determination in health policy and service delivery.
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2021. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as at 30 June 2021 there were approximately 983,700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Australia, representing 3.8% of the total Australian population. Of this population, approximately 91.7% identified as Aboriginal, 4.0% identified as Torres Strait Islander, and 4.3% identified as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. [1]
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples live across urban, regional, rural and remote areas of Australia. Experiences, cultures, languages, priorities and health outcomes vary significantly between communities and regions, including within the Torres Strait, Central Australia, metropolitan areas and remote communities.
While many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience strong cultural identity, and community connection, the ongoing impacts of colonisation, racism, intergenerational trauma and unequal access to healthcare, housing, education and employment continue to contribute to disparities in health and wellbeing.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to experience a higher burden of chronic disease and mental health challenges compared with non-Indigenous Australians. Despite these challenges, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to lead innovative, culturally grounded responses that strengthen health and wellbeing outcomes.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across Australia provide holistic, culturally safe and community-led healthcare that integrates physical, social, emotional and cultural wellbeing. The Aboriginal community-controlled sector has played a significant role in improving access to healthcare, supporting prevention and early intervention initiatives, strengthening workforce development, and advocating for self-determination in health policy and service delivery.
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2021. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)