254. The fertility rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenagers are
approximately 5.8 times the rate for non-Indigenous teenagers (52 per
1000 females compared to nine per 1000 females).226
(a)
Sexually transmitted infections
255. The Commission remains concerned at the levels of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) in children, especially those from Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander communities. The rates of infection within these
communities are recognised as being the highest of any identifiable
population in Australia.227
256. For example, according to 2016 data in the Northern Territory, there were
161 notified cases of chlamydia in Aboriginal children under 16 years
compared to three in non-Indigenous children; 186 notified cases of
gonorrhoea in Aboriginal children under 16 years compared to one nonIndigenous child; 26 notified cases of syphilis in Aboriginal children under
16 years with no notified cases for non-Indigenous children; and 240
notified cases of trichomoniasis in Aboriginal children under 16 years with
no notified cases for non-Indigenous children.228
257. Aboriginal Medical Services play a crucial role in providing health services
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. As a national study
pointed out, ‘one of the most productive ways forward with regards to
improving knowledge and increasing safe sex practice among young
Aboriginal people is through community controlled organisations’.229
Recommendation 34: The Australian Government funds Aboriginal
controlled organisations and, where appropriate, their partners, to develop
and implement a comprehensive sexual health education strategy.
7.6
Drug and substance abuse
258. The misuse of drugs and alcohol is a major cause of preventable disease
and illness in Australians. Despite substantial evidence that points to the
efficacy of prevention programs, government-funding remains focused on
law enforcement and treatment.230
259. The availability of data for children under the age of 18 years is a
significant issue in terms of assessing drug and substance abuse.
Organisations that provide this data define ‘young people’ in multiple
ways, which makes it difficult to separate children from adults.231
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