Welcome to the Indigenous Observatory

Indigenous Australians experience disproportionate levels of educational, employment and social disadvantage. Many Indigenous Australians also experience poorer health than other Australians, often dying at much younger ages. A healthy beginning in a nurturing environment, with protection from physical and mental abuse, and opportunities for personal development—such as education and employment—are all important for a long and happy life.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have higher rates of hospitalisations due to injury, higher rates of injury mortality and more frequently come into contact with child protection and juvenile justice systems.

Life expectancy for the Indigenous population is much lower than non-Indigenous Australians across all age groups. However, there is considerable uncertainty about the magnitude of this difference because Indigenous status has not been reported accurately on death registrations.