“The level and standard of current housing is a clear expression of Indigenous disadvantage, not only in remote areas, but also in long settled parts of Australia. The substandard living conditions are generally characterised by overcrowding, inadequate water and washing facilities, poor sanitation and sewage disposal, limited food storage and sub-optimal food preparation facilities.” (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clearinghouse)

There are clear differences in the level of disadvantage between regional populations. While Indigenous people living in urban areas are disadvantaged in their housing status relative to non-Indigenous people, they are significantly less disadvantaged than the rural and remote Indigenous population.