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Demographics

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are less likely to participate in the labour force than other Australians, with 62.1% of Indigenous males and 46.5% of Indigenous females compared to 80.9% of non-Indigenous males and 65.8% of non-Indigenous females (ABS, 2004). The total Indigenous participation rate of 52% in the 2001 census was about the same proportion as the 1996 census at 53%.

The discrepancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participation in the labour force becomes more significant for Indigenous people living in remote areas.

The 1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2004 (ABS, 2004) includes a useful article on the Labour force status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This article includes detailed information on the labour force characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples regarding industry, occupation and unemployment including the following table:
S6.1 SUMMARY LABOUR FORCE INDICATORS, By Remoteness Areas