The Relative Economic Status of Indigenous Australians, 1986-91, by John Taylor, is a CAEPR contribution to the mid-term review of the Aboriginal Employment Development Policy (AEDP). A detailed analysis of 1986 and 1991 Census data was conducted to ascertain the degree to which AEDP objectives of employment and income equality have been achieved. The analysis compares changes in the economic status of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders separately with that of other Australians, using a range of social indicators at the national level, disaggregated by section-of-State. These indicators include labour force status, occupational status, industry, industry sector of employment, hours worked, level of qualifications, income status and levels of welfare dependence.

This is the first national overview of the relative economic status of Indigenous Australians to be based on 1991 Census data. As well as directly informing the AEDP review process, this monograph will be of great relevance to Indigenous Australians generally, policy makers, bureaucrats and researchers with an interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.