On the wealth of First Nations: Examining the Indigenous-settler wealth gap

Wealth inequality in Australia has been widening in recent years and is of social and political concern. Yet the gap between the wealth of First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians is less clear. In public debate, blame for economic inequalities tends to be laid on First Nations communities, yet this overlooks the role of Australias colonial past in creating todays inequalities. Drawing on economic geographic theory and original quantitative data, this project will produce the first estimates of the value of First Nations financial assets in comparison to assets owned by non-Indigenous Australians. It will also identify the ways that the wealth gap is reproduced across generations. Through workshops and detailed reports provided to First Nations organisations and policymakers, the project will provide them with the tailored information they need to understand and address this issue, particularly through Treaty negotiations. These changes will in turn help to shift public attitude