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Introduction

The health status and health service needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples differ significantly from those of other Australians. For example:

• Life expectancy in 2001: Indigenous males - 56 years compared with all Australian males - 77 years
• Indigenous females - 63 years compared with all Australian females - 82 years.
• The infant mortality rate for Indigenous Australians (10.6 deaths per 1,000 live births) was twice the infant mortality rate for all Australians (5.3).
• While heart disease and cancer remain the leading causes of death for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, Indigenous people are more likely than other Australians to die from accidents, assault and intentional self-harm (17% of Indigenous deaths compared with 3% of total deaths), and are more likely to die from diseases of the respiratory system and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic systems, such as diabetes.

This section provides an overview of:

• Demographics of the health status and access to health services of ATSI people
• Current health issues and concerns
• ATSI health services
• Examples of Government policy documents
• Links to useful resources