Content components This page focuses on lived experience, wellbeing and key issues for this population group. For detailed demographic data and statistics, see the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples statistics page.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to experience poorer health outcomes than the broader Australian population. This is linked to factors such as employment, income, education (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2024).Health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is understood in a holistic way. This includes physical, mental and social wellbeing, as well as cultural factors such as connection to culture and Country (First Peoples - State Relations 2023).Cultural identity, family and kinship, language, connection to Country, and participation in cultural activities all play an important role in health and wellbeing (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2024).Key health indicators for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria39.8% experience high or very high levels of psychological distress27.9% rate their health as fair or poor51.9% of Victorian households with children, where at least one occupant is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, report being food insecure within the past 12 months.Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022-23 data.These outcomes are higher than national rates, and higher than those for the general Victorian population (Victorian Population Health Survey 2023).
