OSR – clients

In 2024–25, organisations saw around 517,000 clients (Figure 6).

The data visualisation below (Figure 6) shows the number of clients for each collection period from 2018–19 to 2024–25. Select by either:

  • organisation type
  • remoteness
  • state/territory
  • Indigenous status
  • sex

to see data for that breakdown.

Data tables supporting this visualisation are available at Data.

Figure 6: Clients by collection period

Overall, the number of clients ranged from 454,043 in 2020–21 to 586,072 in 2024–25.

Overall, the number of clients ranged from 454,043 in 2020–21 to 586,072 in 2024–25.

Notes

  1. Breaks are included to separate out the periods most affected by voluntary reporting and the peak of COVID-19 and associated emergency response measures. For more information see Comparisons over time.
  2. For more information, including on interpreting changes over time, see Technical notes.

In 2024–25, of clients:

  • 88% (or around 456,000) were seen by ACCHOs
  • 26% (or around 136,000) were seen in Major cities, 21% (108,000) in Outer regional areas, 20% (102,000) in Inner regional areas, 17% (86,800) in Remote areas and 16% (85,100) in Very remote areas
  • 54% (or around 279,000) were female
  • 84% (or around 434,000) including ‘unknown’ Indigenous status, or 85% excluding ‘unknown’ Indigenous status, were First Nations people
  • 57% (or around 293,000) were aged under 35.

ACCHOs and non-ACCHOs both generally saw:

  • a higher proportion of female than male clients (54% in ACCHOs and 55% in non-ACCHOs were female)
  • a higher proportion of First Nations clients than non-Indigenous clients (84% of clients in ACCHOs and 83% in non-ACCHOs were First Nations people).

The large increase in clients in 2021–22 was mainly the result of an increase in non-Indigenous clients seeking COVID-related services (for example, vaccinations) in that period (AIHW 2023). This was followed by a return to a more usual service provision in 2022–23. For more information on the impact of COVID-19 see Related material.

The number of clients increased slightly between 2022–23 and 2023–24 (by 1.3% or from around 507,000 to 513,000). This was a result of a decrease in the number of non-Indigenous clients (by 6% or from around 86,300 to 81,500) and small increase in the number of First Nations clients (by 3% or from 414,000 to 425,000).

The number of non-Indigenous clients decreased again between 2023–24 and 2024–25 (by 6% or from around 81,500 to 76,700) and the number of First Nations clients increased slightly (by 2% or from 425,000 to 434,000).

Proportion of the First Nations estimated resident population

In 2024–25, 41% (or around 434,000) of the First Nations estimated resident population (1.0 million) were First Nations clients of organisations reporting to the OSR collection (excludes external territories) (Figure 7).

The data visualisation below (Figure 7) shows the number of First Nations clients compared with the First Nations estimated resident population (ERP). Collection periods from 2018–19 to 2024–25 can be selected. Data tables supporting this visualisation are available at Data.

Figure 7: First Nations clients compared with First Nations estimated resident population by state/territory and collection period

At 31 December 2025, there were an estimated 1,049,325 First Nations people (excluding external territories). In 2025, organisations saw 433,576 First Nations clients (excluding external territories).

At 31 December 2025, there were an estimated 1,049,325 First Nations people (excluding external territories). In 2025, organisations saw 433,576 First Nations clients (excluding external territories).

Notes

  1. In some cases clients may be counted at more than one organisation. The number of First Nations clients being greater than the First Nations ERP is most common in Remote and Very Remote areas.
  2. ERP is at 31 December of the relevant collection period. Population projections for the period 2018–19 to 2024–25 are based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2021 Census of Population and Housing. The ERP may vary from that used for the nKPI collection because of differences in collection periods.
  3. Total is the sum of the states and territories and does not include external territories.
  4. For more information, including on interpreting changes over time, see Technical notes.

References

ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) (2011 to 2031) Estimates and Projections, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, ABS Website, accessed 20 November 2024.

AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2023) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific primary health care: impact of COVID-19, catalogue number IHW 281, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 15 November 2025.

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