FACTS AND FIGURES - Indigenous Australians

The Indigenous population accounts for 2.1% of the Australian population. In terms of age groups, the proportions of Indigenous people in the Australian population are 3.9% for 0–14 year olds and 3.0% for 15–19 year olds. (Figure 1).

Reflecting higher birth and mortality rates, the Indigenous population has a higher proportion of people in the younger age groups. 40% of the Indigenous population are aged under 15 years, compared to 21.4% for the total Australian population.

(Source: ABS: Experimental Estimates of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Population, 30 June 1991 to 30 June 1996: Cat.no. 3230.0)

In 1996, the median age was 20.1 years for the Indigenous population and 34.0 years for the total Australian population.

Notes on data

* All unpublished data obtained for vocational education and training (National Centre for Vocational Education and Research [NCVER]) and higher education (DEST) are for Australian students only.

Data obtained for vocational education and training do not include fee-paying overseas students.

Data obtained for higher education are for ‘Australian citizens’ and exclude students who are New Zealand citizens, or students who belong to the category of permanent residents.

** All data, except where indicated, are national data.

CONTENTS

This edition of Learning for All provides details of some significant developments in the education and training of Indigenous Australians in the schools, vocational education and training, and higher education sectors. The publication also provides information on research findings and best practice in education.

Closing the Gaps – an overview of outcomes for Indigenous students in the different sectors.

Introduction – the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, the Hon Dr David Kemp MP.

The National Indigenous English Literacyand Numeracy Strategy – a major initiative to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students.

Absenteeism investigated – examines the attendance rates of Indigenous students at all levels of schooling and ways to improve them.

Is there a relationship between the school success of Indigenous students and positive self-identity? – considers the relationship between school outcomes and the self-identities of young Indigenous Australians.

Developing Best Practice with Indigenous New Apprenticeships – identifies innovative ways to implement Indigenous New Apprenticeships.

Helping Indigenous students make the transition from school to work – examines how Indigenous students are performing at a number of transition points from school to work. (continued over page)

Green Corps – discusses the participation of Indigenous people in this national training programme for young Australians.

What Works? – discusses effective teaching strategies, which were trialled in schools throughout Australia during 1998 and 1999. 17 Partners in a Learning Culture – outlines the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1999–2005.

Partners in a Learning Culture – outlines the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1999–2005.

Kardu Kigay – young men in a remote Aboriginal community are helped to develop self-esteem, strengthen English literacy and numeracy skills and gain skills for possible future employment.

Territorian takes out top training award – for Indigenous students in the 2000 Australian Training Awards.

Career options and the world of work – help for Indigenous students and their parents to make choices about their education and careers.

Gumala Mirnuwarni – “coming together to learn”, Indigenous community, schools and industry in the Karratha region of Western Australia work together.

WADU “together in partnership and trust” – innovative workplace learning experiences for Indigenous secondary students.

Indigenous law students gain work experience – since the 1970s Indigenous law students have been helped to successfully complete their degree.

Yandi – an assignment and assessment tracking database to increase the success and retention rates for Indigenous students.

Open Learning Initiatives to Assist Indigenous Australians – aim to improve access to education for Indigenous people.

The Facts and Figures section – profiles trends in participation by Indigenous Australians across all sectors of education and training.

Questionnaire: Learning for All: Opportunities for Indigenous Australians. – The editors would appreciate your feedback on the pilot edition of Learning For All.