An Analysis of the Internal Migration of Indigenous and Non-indigenous Australians

Enhancing migration and mobility has been put forward by various commentators as a solution to Indigenous disadvantage in Australia, This paper examined patterns of migration and factors associated with the decision to move and the choice of destination in order to assess the feasibility of this suggestion. The results suggest that Indigenous Australians are less responsive to local economic factors than other Australians, with social and cultural factors appearing to play a particularly significant role in their decision making. It is probable that this reflects a ‘rational’ response to the depressed demand for Indigenous labour across Australia and the greater opportunity for non-market activities.