The gap between the health of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians is still significant.
- Smoking rates are on the decrease, however 2 in 5 Aboriginal people are still smokers
- Reduction in prevalence of ear and hearing problems
- Still seeing high rates of diabetes, asthma, heart and kidney disease.
- Ongoing high levels of alcohol consumption and Mental health problems.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were twice as likely as non indigenous people to have asthma
- In 2012-2013 around 1 in 8 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had heart disease
- Aboriginal and Torres strait islander people are 3 times as likely as non-indigenous people to have diabetes/high sugar levels
- in 2012-2013 just over 1 in 5 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people aged 15 years and over said that they had used an illicit substance in the previous year. Marijuana was the most commonly reported illicit drug.
- in 2012-2013 almost 1/3 of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2-14 years were overweight or obese and 2/3 of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over were overweight or obese (1.5 times higher than non indigenous people)
- Aboriginal and Torres strait islander people aged 15 years and over were around half as likely as non -indigenous people to have reported excellent or very good health.
- Aboriginal community controlled health services are making a difference in their communities and they need to see continued support from all levels of government
- there are no quick fixes in Aboriginal health. The report shows that we are making some headway but achieving generational change means maintaining the momentum.