POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research (formerly ANU Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR))

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/1885/114085

The Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR) is a unique national and international centre, a leading research think-tank on Indigenous policy issues, and operates in a complex political arena. Since 1990 it has established an unrivalled reputation and track record in a difficult public policy area of national significance. A central goal at CAEPR is to continue to create and build long-term partnerships with Indigenous stakeholders with a view to supporting and working with key individuals and organisations in the areas of research, education and policy development. The Centre is funded from a variety of sources including the ANU, the Australian Research Council, industry and philanthropic partners, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and State and Territory governments. The principal objective of CAEPR is to undertake high-quality, independent research that will assist in furthering the social and economic development and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Australia. It aims to combine academic and teaching excellence on Indigenous economic and social development and public policy with realism, objectivity and relevance. CAEPR is committed to disseminating its research as widely as possible through print and electronic publication and since 1991 has undertaken an active publications program.

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Open Access
The Role of School Environments in Influencing Self-harm and Suicidal Behaviours - Findings from Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) - Fact Sheet for Section 5
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024) Dinku, Yonatan; Howard-Wagner, Deirdre; Harrap, Benjamin; Wycisk, Oscar; Buchanan, Geoff; Malbon, Eleanor; Cooms, Valerie; Guthrie, Jill; Edwards, Ben; Somboonsin, Pattheera; Yap, Mandy
The Centre for Indigenous Policy Research at POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research, the Australian National University was commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services to deliver a Research Report on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Youth using the Longitudinal Study on Indigenous Children (LSIC) data as recorded in Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. This fact sheet summarises findings from Section Five of the Research Report (10.25911/6KGK-RG76) and Summary Report (10.25911/AWN1-YZ78), which explores the various circumstances and environments that affect suicidality among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
Open Access
Factors Associated with Social and Emotional Wellbeing - Findings from Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) - Fact Sheet for Section 4
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024) Dinku, Yonatan; Howard-Wagner, Deirdre; Harrap, Benjamin; Wycisk, Oscar; Buchanan, Geoff; Malbon, Eleanor; Cooms, Valerie; Guthrie, Jill; Edwards, Ben; Somboonsin, Pattheera; Yap, Mandy
The Centre for Indigenous Policy Research at POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research, the Australian National University was commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services to deliver a Research Report on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Youth using the Longitudinal Study on Indigenous Children (LSIC) data as recorded in Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. This fact sheet summarises findings from Section Four of the Research Report (10.25911/6KGK-RG76) and Summary Report (10.25911/AWN1-YZ78), which identifies various factors associated with social and emotional wellbeing as measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).
Open Access
How do the domains of holistic social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) relate to ‘growing up strong’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people? Findings from Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) - Fact Sheet for Section 3
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024) Howard-Wagner, Deirdre; Wycisk, Oscar; Guthrie, Jill; Buchanan, Geoff; Malbon, Eleanor; Dinku, Yonatan; Harrap, Benjamin; Cooms, Valerie; Edwards, Ben; Somboonsin, Pattheera; Yap, Mandy
The Centre for Indigenous Policy Research at POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research, the Australian National University was commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services to deliver a Research Report on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Youth using the Longitudinal Study on Indigenous Children (LSIC) data as recorded in Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. This fact sheet summarises findings from Section Three of the Research Report (10.25911/6KGK-RG76) and Summary Report (10.25911/AWN1-YZ78), which qualitatively explores the cultural and other determinants of social and emotional wellbeing.
Open Access
Developing a measure of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children using Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children - Fact Sheet for Sections 1 and 2
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024) Harrap, Benjamin; Wycisk, Oscar; Dinku, Yonatan; Howard-Wagner, Deirdre; Buchanan, Geoff; Malbon, Eleanor; Cooms, Valerie; Guthrie, Jill; Edwards, Ben; Somboonsin, Pattheera; Yap, Mandy
The Centre for Indigenous Policy Research at POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research, the Australian National University was commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services to deliver a Research Report on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Youth using the Longitudinal Study on Indigenous Children (LSIC) data as recorded in Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. This fact sheet summarises findings from Section One and Two of the Research Report (10.25911/6KGK-RG76) and Summary Report (10.25911/AWN1-YZ78), which adapts the holistic concept of social and emotional wellbeing created by Gee et al. (2014) to measure the experiences of Study Youth in the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children.
Open Access
Trajectories of Social and Emotional Wellbeing, Connection to Culture and School Safety - Findings from Footprints in Time: The longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) - Fact Sheet for Section 6
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024) Dinku, Yonatan; Howard-Wagner, Deirdre; Harrap, Benjamin; Wycisk, Oscar; Buchanan, Geoff; Malbon, Eleanor; Cooms, Valerie; Guthrie, Jill; Edwards, Ben; Somboonsin, Pattheera; Yap, Mandy
The Centre for Indigenous Policy Research at POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research, the Australian National University was commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services to deliver a Research Report on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Youth using the Longitudinal Study on Indigenous Children (LSIC) data as recorded in Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. This fact sheet summarises findings from Section Six of the Research Report, which traces the trajectories of social and emotional wellbeing over time.
Open Access
Gambling reform in the ACT, 2016-2024: What impact on gaming machine expenditure?
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024-10) Markham, Francis; Suomi, Aino; Australian National University. Centre for Indigenous Policy Research
Open Access
Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) Social and Emotional Wellbeing Research Report
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024-09) Dinku, Yonatan ; Howard-Wagner, Deirdre; Harrap, Benjamin; Wycisk, Oscar; Buchanan, Geoffrey; Malbon, Eleanor; Cooms, Valerie; Guthrie, Jill; Edwards, Ben; Somboonsin, Pattheera (Paire); Yap, Mandy; Australian National University. Centre for Indigenous Policy Research
The Centre for Indigenous Policy Research at POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research, the Australian National University was commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services to deliver a Research Report on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Youth (the Report) using the Longitudinal Study on Indigenous Children (LSIC) data as recorded in Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC). The Research Report proposes and explores a novel approach to measuring social and emotional wellbeing in LSIC. Inspired by a holistic construct of social and emotional wellbeing outlined by First Nations scholar-led team Gee et al. (2014), we used an exploratory factor analysis and structural equation model to identify which LSIC variables holistic social and emotional wellbeing. Although the method requires further development for conclusive and longitudinal use, our findings demonstrate that a promising factor structure exists for a series of LSIC variables in Waves 11 and 12. When modelled collectively, these factors appear to express the interconnected and interrelated framework for social and emotional wellbeing outlined by Gee et al. (2014).
Open Access
Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) Social and Emotional Wellbeing Summary Report
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024-09) Howard-Wagner, Deirdre ; Harrap, Benjamin; Wycisk, Oscar; Dinku, Yonatan; Guthrie, Jill; Buchanan, Geoffrey; Malbon, Eleanor; Cooms, Valerie; Somboonsin, Pattheera (Paire); Edwards, Ben; Yap, Mandy; Australian National University. Centre for Indigenous Policy Research
The Centre for Indigenous Policy Research at POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research, the Australian National University was commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services (DSS) to deliver a Report which analyses the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Youth (the Research Report), as recorded in Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC). This Summary Report, which sets out the high-level methods, findings, and implications of the analysis of LSIC data in relation to the SEWB of LSIC Study Children/Youth, is part of a suite of materials that accompany the Research Report, which also includes a series of Factsheets, describing our analysis and findings. This Summary Report outlines the high-level methods, findings, research and policy implications of our analysis. Comprehensive and detailed descriptions and analysis can be found in the Research Report, which comprises six sections: the conceptual model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SEWB; Fitting the Gee et al (2014) framework for SEWB to LSIC data, using structural equation modelling; Culture as a determinant of SEWB for LSIC Study Children; longitudinal analysis of the factors associated with SEWB for LSIC children; self-harm and suicidal behaviours among LSIC youth; and trajectories of SEWB and related outcomes.
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A review of methods for assessing progress towards Closing the Gap: Final Report
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024-09) Cooms, Valerie; Markham, Francis; Harrap, Benjamin; Bray, Rob; Su, Wen; Shiosaki, Elfie; Dinku, Yonatan; Howard-Wagner, Deirdre; Biddle, Nicholas; Somboonsin, Pattheera; Yap, Mandy; Australian National University. Centre for Indigenous Policy Research
This report describes a review of the methods used by the Productivity Commission to assess progress towards targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The primary objectives of the study were to evaluate the current methodology used to track progress towards national targets, develop a framework for assessing the contributions of states and territories, and test the revised method and proposed approach using existing data. A significant finding of the report concerns the shortcomings in data used for assessing progress. These limitations relate to both the efficacy of the data for monitoring progress, as well as the cultural suitability of the data. The study highlights issues such as substantial data gaps, infrequent data collection and delayed reporting, which lead to outdated information being published, hampering effective monitoring and undermining accountability. Moreover, inconsistencies in data sources lead to substantial revisions in observed data, affecting the reliability of progress assessments. In addition to these key findings, the report suggests various improvements to the methodology of assessing progress, particularly regarding the confidence in these assessments. While these are important, they are considered secondary to the issues with data identified. Lastly, the report presents four options for assessing the adequacy of state and territory contributions to meeting national targets. We recommend a specific method which we believe is both most effective and most closely aligned with the principles of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. This recommendation comes after assessing the performance of all four proposed options on jurisdictional data.
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Summary of the Final Report Reviewing Methods for Assessing Progress Towards Closing the Gap
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024-09) Cooms, Valerie; Markham, Francis; Harrap, Benjamin; Bray, Rob; Su, Wen; Shiosaki, Elfie; Dinku, Yonatan; Howard-Wagner, Deirdre; Biddle, Nicholas; Somboonsin, Pattheera; Yap, Mandy; Australian National University. Centre for Indigenous Policy Research
This report summarises the research team’s Commissioned Report titled A review of methods for assessing progress towards Closing the Gap: Final Report. It aims to make the main findings of that lengthy report accessable in a shorter format. For more details, please refer to the main report available from https://dx.doi.org/10.25911/KGQS-GQ70. The report reviewed how the Productivity Commission measures progress towards the targets of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The study aimed to evaluate the current methods for tracking national targets, create a framework for assessing state and territory contributions, and test the revised approach using existing data. The review identified problems with the data used to measure progress. These issues include data gaps, infrequent collection, delays in reporting, and concerns about cultural suitability. This results in outdated and culturally inappropriate information, which hinders effective monitoring and weakens accountability. Additionally, inconsistencies in data sources lead to significant revisions, affecting the reliability of progress assessments. The report also suggests improvements to the statistical methods used to assess progress under the National Agreement. However, these improvements are considered secondary to the data issues identified. Finally, the review describes a method for evaluating state and territory contributions to national targets. We recommend a method that aims to align with the principles of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and assessment state and territory progress towards contributions using jurisdictional data.
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Report on the Proceedings of South Coast International Indigenous Fishing Symposium
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024-09) Hunt, Janet; Voyer, Michelle; Barclay, Kate; Ridge, Kathryn; Australian National University. Centre for Indigenous Policy Research
First Nations globally assert their fundamental human rights to self-determination, including access to, management and ownership of their natural resources. Settler colonies deny, undermine and resist the recognition of permanent indigenous sovereignty in natural resources. In each nation state there is conflict which arises from the State prioritising the non-Indigenous users of fishery resources, be it commercial and recreational exploitation of fisheries, or tourism impacting cultural fishing. This is a report on the second International Indigenous Fishing Symposium held at ANU’s Kioloa Coastal Campus, New South Wales Australia, on the lands of the Walbunja clan of the South Coast Aboriginal people. It builds on the initiative of the Raporo Ainu Nation who hosted the inaugural International Indigenous Fishing Symposium 2023 in Urahoro. The South Coast International Indigenous Fishing Symposium built on the inaugural Symposium, and the Raporo Declaration by inviting presenters to think of solutions and a new pathway to resolving the structural issues identified.
Open Access
Working Future': A Critique of Policy by Numbers (or The Weakness of Collaborative Federalism in an Emergency)
(North Australian Research Unit (NARU), 2009-08-19) Sanders, Will
This paper uses 2006 Census and Community Housing and Infrastructure Needs Survey statistics to critique Working Future, a policy initiative of the Northern Territory Government announced in May 2009. It shows that the 20 proposed Territory Growth Towns (TGTs) in Working Future are geographically skewed towards the more densely settled, tropical savannah north of the Northern Territory and away from the southern arid zone. By focusing on some the Northern Territory's more populous discrete Indigenous communities, Working Future has also, perhaps inadvertently, focused on the north of the Northern Territory. Indigenous people in the southern arid zone have reason to suggest that this policy does not reflect their interests or existing settlement patterns. The paper also identifies the extent to which there is already a settlement hierarchy among discrete Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, in which 70 or 80 communities act as central-place service hubs for a more widely dispersed remote area population. It also notes that, small 'open towns' sometimes act as service hubs, and asks why many of these have been overlooked as potential TGTs. The final section of the paper suggests that Working Future reflects recent policy change in remote Indigenous housing which has been developed through collaborative federalism. This helps us understand and explain the strange mal-distribution of TGTs in Working Future.
Open Access
Implementing disability policy reform: Challenges and opportunities
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, POLIS Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, 2024) Dillon, Michael; Australian National University. Centre for Indigenous Policy Research
This paper assesses for Indigenous interests the risks and opportunities embedded in the recommendations of the recent independent review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). To provide essential context, the paper begins with an overview of the mainstream policy issues emerging from the NDIS Review, before addressing the distinct issues relevant to Indigenous interests. The proposed reforms create significant opportunities to remove the structural and system constraints inhibiting equitable access by Indigenous people to disability support by governments. However, each opportunity also entails risks, and the risks of policy failure are substantial. The paper argues that the NDIS Review’s recommendations are both essential to the long-term sustainability of the NDIS, and in the public interest. Yet for Indigenous interests to grasp the opportunities and avoid the risks embedded in the Review’s complex policy architecture and implementation processes, they will need to develop a comprehensive and proactive response focused on implementation of the proposed reform agenda, and engage in sustained advocacy across all jurisdictions in order to ensure the reform momentum is maintained.
Open Access
2024 Commonwealth Budget Analysis and Living Standard Trends in Australia
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR), 2024) Gray, Matthew; Phillips, Ben; Australian National University. Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research
The major household financial measures in the 2024 Commonwealth Budget are modelled using the ANU PolicyMod model of the Australian tax and welfare system. Results provide average household financial impacts across different income and financial wellbeing levels. The policy settings for the latest budget are also compared with those just prior to the election of Labor in 2022 to better understand the distributional impact of the new Labor government. To better understand ‘cost of living pressures’ financial living standard trends are provided for 26 different household types since just prior to COVID up to December 2023 and projections provided based on budget assumptions up to December 2024. The Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee (EIAC) provided 22 recommendations to government in the lead up to the budget and the paper estimates the impact that selected measures would have on the finances of a range of households and different regions around the country.
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Learning on Country Program: Progress Evaluation 2.0
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR)) Fogarty, William Patrick; Bulloch, Hannah; Bellchambers, Kate; Brachtendorf, Liza; Australian National University. Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research
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Caring about Care
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR)) Klein, Elise; Hunt, Janet; Staines, Zoe; Brown, Chay; Glynn-Braun, Kayla; Yap, Mandy; Murray, Minda; Williamson, Bhiamie; Australian National University. Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research
This report presents the findings of research that aimed to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner’s work on Wiyi Yani U Thangani,and contribute to understandings of the scope of care work performed by Indigenous women. Specifically, the project explored: 1) how Indigenous women conceptualise care work, including its scope and nature, 2) how Indigenous women value and experience care work, 3) what volume and type/s of care work Indigenous women are regularly engaged in, and 4) how the care work of Indigenous women might be better recognised and valued in policy. The report draws on ABS data and fieldwork, including interviews and a time-use survey, conducted between August 2022 and May 2023 with Aboriginal organisations in five locations spanning remote, regional, and urban Australia. Drawing on these data, the report also calculates the approximate economic value of the care work Indigenous women undertake. The findings indicate that ‘mainstream’ definitions of care do not include the broad ways in which care is defined by Indigenous women. In women’s stories, care repeatedly emerges as a source of personal and cultural strength. The research also finds, however, that women’s care loads are exacerbated by historic and ongoing colonisation. The report concludes with seven recommendations indicating how policy could be reshaped to centre and support Indigenous women’s care.
Open Access
Exploring the spatial distribution of Aboriginal food security and insecurity in New South Wales using survey and Census data
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR), 2023-07) Dinku, Yonatan; Walsh, Corinne; Markham, Francis; Puri, Chase; Australian National University. Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research
This study presents estimates of the prevalence of food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households in small geographical areas in the state of New South Wales (NSW). Using the 2018-19 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS) and 2021 Census of Population and Housing, the research investigates the factors associated with food security in Aboriginal households and estimates the prevalence of food insecurity at the Statistical Area 2 (SA2) level across NSW. Logistic regression results reveal associations between household food insecurity and income, financial stress, household size, housing tenure, food preparation facilities, and remoteness. Notably, the study finds that food insecurity is driven primarily by financial resources rather than access to grocery stores. The research highlights the prevalence of going without food in urban parts of NSW for Indigenous households relative to non-metropolitan areas, and suggests a concentration of food insecurity among Indigenous populations in urban and inner regional areas. Maps of the predicted prevalence of food insecurity across NSW are provided.
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OCHRE Local Decision Making Stage 2 Evaluation: Illawarra Wingecarribee Alliance Aboriginal Corporation Evaluation Report : 4/2023
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR), 2023) Thomassin, Annick; Maher, Geoffrey Jr; Macdonald, Lea Keya; Australian National University. Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research
This report presents the findings of an evaluation of the Illawarra Wingecarribee Alliance Aboriginal Corporation (IWAAC) Local Decision Making Accord implementation. The evaluation was co-designed with IWAAC and key public sector officials involved in implementing the Accord. Its findings are based on the research team’s independent assessment of the data collected. The evaluation methods included a workshop with IWAAC delegates, interviews or group discussions with IWAAC staff, delegates and former delegates, Elders and board members, and other community members, as well as interviews with senior government staff involved in the Accord’s implementation. Acknowledgments The CAEPR research team acknowledges Country and Elders past, present and future in Illawarra Wingecarribee Alliance Aboriginal Corporation (IWAAC) communities. The Illawarra-Wingecarribee region sits on the lands of the Dharawal, Yuin and Gandangara peoples which include the Wodi, Elouera and other local language groups. We wish to thank IWAAC, their member organisations and associated community-controlled organisations for their time and helpful collaboration in carrying out this evaluation including for allowing us to conduct workshops during their IWAAC meetings. We thank and acknowledge the contributions of employees of the NSW Government and one external consultant. The team would also like to acknowledge and thank the members of the OCHRE Evaluation Steering Committee for their guidance and support.
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OCHRE Local Decision Making Stage 2 Evaluation: NCARA-State Accord Evaluation Report : 5/2023
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR), 2023) Howard-Wagner, Deirdre; Australian National University. Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research
The NCARA–State Accord is the first multi-regional Accord in New South Wales (NSW), making it an important milestone under the Local Decision Making (LDM) initiative, a key initiative under the OCHRE plan for Aboriginal affairs in NSW. It commits the NSW Government and the New South Wales Coalition of Aboriginal Regional Alliances (NCARA) to work together to support, renew and return Aboriginal peoples to prosperity. The NCARA–State Accord is a principle-based agreement centred around self-determination which provides a framework for collaboration between the two parties. The NCARA–State Accord Evaluation Report is an outcome evaluation. It investigates if and how the NCARA–State Accord is achieving ‘what it set out to do’ in relation to transforming government and transforming relationships under the LDM initiative. The first part of the report examines the outcomes of establishing a separate Aboriginal governance body, known as NCARA, at the state level under the LDM initiative and its role within the broader LDM governance network. It also evaluates the outcome of signing the NCARA–State Accord. The second part of the report focuses on findings relating to transformational change around reclaiming, renewing, and returning Aboriginal people in NSW to prosperity, and transforming Aboriginal service delivery in NSW. It examines the outcomes of the NCARA–State Accord in terms of transforming government, including improving working relationships, sharing decision making, improving service delivery ownership, and sharing data. It finds that the NCARA–State Accord has fallen short in practice, particularly with respect to public sector engagement with NCARA. The report recommends improvements that would strengthen the way that NSW Government agencies engage with NCARA to achieve the intent of the NCARA–State Accord.
Open Access
Area-level socioeconomic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the 2016 and 2021 Censuses
(Canberra, ACT: Australian National University, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR), 2023) Biddle, Nicholas; Markham, Francis; Australian National University. Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research
Since the 2001 Census, the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR) has developed the Indigenous Relative Socioeconomic Outcomes (IRSEO) index to assist Indigenous communities and organisations in advocating for resource allocation based on relative needs, and assist governments in directing services toward areas with the most significant impact on Indigenous populations. This study replicates previous analyses using data from the 2021 Census. After describing the 2021 IRSEO index, this paper expands on previous analysis in four ways. First, it examines the ongoing need for an index of socioeconomic outcomes that is specific to the Indigenous population. Second, it examines changes in relative Indigenous socioeconomic outcomes over time, asking which sorts of places have become relatively more advantaged and which relatively less advantaged. Third, it investigates the validity of a new census question about long-term health conditions for the Indigenous population, and investigates whether it provides a useful measure of Indigenous health outcomes to include in the IRSEO index. And fourth, it examines the potential impact of COVID‑19 restrictions on the Indigenous relative socioeconomic outcomes recorded in the 2021 Census. Our findings indicate that spatial inequalities in Indigenous socioeconomic outcomes have widened from 2016 to 2021, with regional areas experiencing more rapid improvements compared to other urban or remote locations. Conversely, outcomes in remote Indigenous towns and locations in the Northern Territory have further declined relative to the rest of the country. Despite the 2021 Census occurring amidst heightened COVID-19 governmental interventions, the impact on relative Indigenous socioeconomic outcomes appears to be minimal. We also find that newly introduced health-related questions in the census exhibit limited internal validity for evaluating Indigenous health outcomes. Accordingly, they have been excluded from the IRSEO index. The 2021 IRSEO index, as detailed in this article, can be accessed and downloaded from the CAEPR website.

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