Chapter 6: Labour force participation as a determinant of Indigenous health

Abstract:

It has long been recognised that social inequalities are associated with health inequalities (Marmot & Wilkinson 1999). Extensive research has shown that income, employment, education and community connectedness impact both on the health status of individuals and on the community more generally (Baum 1998; Wilkinson & Marmot 1998). The positive link between employment, resultant income and health status is generally acknowledged and accepted. Employment is the means by which financial income is generated, which in turn provides the means to purchase the essential prerequisites for good health, such as adequate housing and nutritional food. This cycle is further embedded, since income may facilitate the opportunity for further education and attainment of knowledge and skills, which potentially secures a type of upward spiral of economic mobility. The labour force characteristics of Indigenous Australians have been steadily documented over the years, providing some indications of the nature of Indigenous labour force participation and its consequences. It is thus widely known that the Indigenous population in Australia is broadly characterised by high unemployment, low employment and employment in low-skill jobs.