The Labour Force Status of Aboriginal People: A Regional Comparison

Abstract

This paper draws on a reanalysis of data from 1971–1986 censuses to provide an examination of the labour force status of the Aboriginal population of Australia, with specific focus on those residing in Queensland. The paper documents the extent to which Aboriginal people are disadvantaged within the formal labour market, and notes that the official data provide an underestimation of this situation. We argue that a consideration of labour market variations among regions is necessary to understand the issues underlying Aboriginal employment, and we examine this proposition as it relates to three discrete employment locations within Queensland.