Many Small Towns, Rural Communities and Remote Areas include a significant population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Failing to improve essential services in remote communities reinforces existing inequality and disadvantage, while infrastructure can play an important role in facilitating access. For example, food security for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities could be improved through upgrading road infrastructure to these communities.90
The place-based approach of the 2019 Audit highlighted how the challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were impacted by where they live, which can present unique circumstances, particularly in remote homelands, including islands.
" Failing to improve essential services in remote communities reinforces existing inequality and disadvantage, while infrastructure can play an important role in facilitating access. "
In particular, it highlighted problems associated with overcrowding in remote areas due to a lack of fit-for-purpose dwellings and supply shortfalls.91
As described in the Social infrastructure chapter, inadequate housing exacerbates poor health, education and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which are already below those of other Australians.
There should be governance mechanisms to support these communities in assessing their needs and participating in the delivery and economic benefits of infrastructure investment, including culturally responsive services. These approaches will increase ownership of outcomes.
It is important the identified needs and subsequent business cases for infrastructure investment in these communities support local and national objectives for improving quality of life.