INTRODUCTION
We thank Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for their cooperation and assistance in the collection of data, without whom this analysis would not have been possible.
The ABS would like to recognise the valuable contribution made by key experts to the methods used by the ABS. In particular, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Demographic Statistics Expert Advisory Group has provided valuable advice to the ABS in the lead-up to producing 2010-2012 estimates.
The compilation of accurate life tables to derive life expectancy estimates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians presents particular challenges. The standard approach to compiling life tables requires complete and accurate data on deaths that occur in a period, and reliable estimates of the population (at the mid-point of the period) exposed to the risk of dying.
In the case of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mortality estimation, the situation is less than perfect. Registration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population estimates have some methodological limitations compared to those for the entire population. For more information see Chapter 2: Quality issues with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths and population data.