4715.0.55.006 - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: Summary Booklet, 2004-05

ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 20/02/2007 First Issue

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Image: Population

POPULATION

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population at 30 June 2001 was estimated to be 458,500 or 2.4% of the total Australian population. At the time of the survey, the Indigenous population in private dwellings was estimated to be 474,300.

In 2001, around 90% of the Indigenous population were identified as being of Aboriginal origin, 6% were identified as being of Torres Strait Islander origin and 4% were identified as being of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live in all states and territories of Australia. In 2001, 29% of Indigenous people lived in New South Wales, 27% lived in Queensland and 14% lived in Western Australia.

INDIGENOUS POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
Map of Australia: Indigenous population distribution throughout the country.

Remote and non-remote areas

In 2001, around one in four Indigenous Australians (26%) were living in remote areas.

This summary booklet presents health characteristics of Indigenous Australians living in 'remote' areas and of those living in 'non-remote' areas. In the NATSIHS, 'remote' areas are made up of 'Remote' and 'Very Remote' areas, while 'non-remote' areas consist of 'Major Cities of Australia', 'Inner Regional Australia' and 'Outer Regional Australia'.

REMOTE AND NON-REMOTE AREAS OF AUSTRALIA

Age differences

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is relatively young compared to the non-Indigenous population. In the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, half the people are aged 21 years or less, while in the non-Indigenous population, half the people are aged 36 years or less. It is important to take this difference into account when comparing the health characteristics of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, as there is a close relationship between age and health-related conditions. Where relevant, data have been age standardised to allow for the two groups to be compared.