Development and Implementation of an Inaugural First Nations Research Agenda in Response to Rapid Population Growth

James Ward, UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health

Globally, Indigenous peoples are becoming rapidly urbanised, with deforestation, climate change, mining and globalisation all cited as major reasons. In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are rapidly becoming urbanised at a rate almost twice that of non- Indigenous Australians, with population growth in capital cities between 2011-2021 increasing by between 30-70%. This population growth places additional pressures on existing health infrastructure, resourcing and cultural services. In response, the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health (UQ Poche) is leading an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Well-being Research program. UQ Poche has led in partnership with Aboriginal community-controlled health services and other key stakeholders a strategic, multi-sectoral research agenda that addresses the unique health challenges and opportunities in cities. This has involved assessment of what is known and not, gaining access to data to provide a deeper narrative, and developing strategic partnerships to formulate a comprehensive research agenda focused on the unique needs of First Nations Australians living in capital cities. In 2025 we will launch the inaugural State of Play report and First Nations urban research agenda, as well as lead several innovative studies, focused on the health and wellbeing of First Nations urban populations.

Keywords:

No extended abstract or paper available

  Presented in Session 132. Urban Indigenous Population and Health