The Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report 2014 is the most comprehensive wellbeing report
of its kind, produced in Australia.
More than data, statistics and measurements, the report tells the very real story of the
wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
It’s about the strengths and resilience of Indigenous peoples across Australia preserving
culture, improving health, increasing education outcomes and employment opportunities and
cultivating strong leadership and governance.
If you want to know about the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and
are interested in policy and service delivery, this report is a must read.
For Indigenous Australians, just like me, the report highlights positive change and
progress. It also tells us where there are gaps in outcomes compared with non-Indigenous
people and where there is more work to do.
Let’s take a closer look.
More young people are completing Year 12.
Getting educated - 59% of young people had completed year 12 in 2012 – 2013.
And getting post Year 12 qualifications.
Indigenous Australians who have a bachelor’s degree are just as likely to get a job as
other non- Indigenous Australians with the same qualification.
We’re living longer.
Birth weights are improving and infant mortality is falling.
We’re smoking less.
We’re earning more, working full time, in senior, professional roles.
And as a result relying less on government.
Our culture and history is regarded as important by over 80% of all Australians.
While there’s good news, there remains some very serious issues for our people.
We’re still over-represented in the criminal justice system as both victims and offenders.
The number of our youths in detention got worse as did the number of Indigenous adults
in prison.
The rates of child abuse and neglect remain very high.
Our mental health issues occur at a higher rate than non-Indigenous Australians.
With psychological distress three times higher.
And suicide and self-harm two times higher.
The number of Indigenous languages being spoken continues to decrease, posing a challenge
to preserving our native tongues.
But is offset with Indigenous speakers holding steady at 17% with 20% of our youth actively
learning an Indigenous language.
Some of the positive outcomes can be linked to successful programs that are making real
differences like.
Families as First Teachers in the Northern Territory, which is run in 21 remote Indigenous
communities since mid 2011, the program promotes early learning and parenting support. Since
starting, pre-school enrolments in those communities has increased.
The Yiriman Project, taking young people and elders on trips back to country to immerse
them in the stories, songs and knowledge of their cultural heritage – building confidence
and self-esteem, helping curb suicide, self harm and substance abuse in participating
communities.
So go on explore the facts and share in our wellbeing – where we’ve come from and
where we heading too.
You can find the complete report plus overviews and fact sheets on the Australian Government
Productivity Commission website www.pc.gov.au
And join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Use the handle OID ozprodcom.
It’s about yesterday, today and tomorrow.