The economic wellbeing of individuals is largely determined by their income and wealth. Differences in household and individual income between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are important indicators of differences in material wealth.
Income is linked to overall wellbeing. Higher income can enable the purchase of better food, housing, recreation and health care. There may also be psychological benefits such as a greater sense of personal control and self-esteem. Low income can be both a cause and an effect of disadvantage – for example, low income can contribute to health problems, which in turn limit people’s ability to work and increase their incomes.
- For the period 1994 to 2004-05, after adjusting for inflation, median (mid-point) gross weekly equivalised household income for Indigenous people rose by 10 per cent (from $308 to $340). This compares to $618 for non-Indigenous households in 2004-05 (figure 3.6.2).
- In 2004-05, over half of Indigenous people (52 per cent) received most of their individual income from government pensions and allowances, followed by salaries and wages (34 per cent) and CDEP (10 per cent) (figure 3.6.6).
Report Chapter 3: Headline Indicators
(PDF document)
Attachment 3A
(Excel document)
See next indicator: Home ownership.