SUMMARY
Torres Strait Islander people have more favourable outcomes than other Indigenous people for several social and economic indicators. They have higher rates of secondary school completion, higher equivalised incomes, and lower unemployment rates than Indigenous people overall. Like the Indigenous population as a whole, however, Torres Strait Islander people experience higher levels of disadvantage than do non-Indigenous Australians across most indicators of health and welfare..
The data suggest that the health and welfare of the Torres Strait Islander population is improving. Between 2001 and 2006, educational attainment improved in terms of Year 12 completion and non-school qualifications. In addition, labour force participation increased and the unemployment rate decreased for Torres Strait Islander people over this five-year period.
When compared with Torres Strait Islander people in other parts of Australia, those living in the Torres Strait Indigenous Region had significantly different outcomes for certain socioeconomic indicators. Torres Strait Islander people in the Torres Strait Indigenous Region had higher rates of secondary school completion and cultural participation, and lower unemployment than those living elsewhere. They also had comparatively low equivalised household incomes, lower rates of home ownership and limited Internet access, reflecting the general disparity in opportunities and services that exist between people living in urban and very remote parts of Australia.
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