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The Australian Government’s policies towards irregular maritime arrivals (IMAs) since July 2013 have been controversial, uncompromising and consistently harsh, with asylum seekers isolated in detention centres for prolonged periods. Asylum seekers and refugees, especially youth, have distinct and unique stressors that make resettlement difficult.  

The health and social disadvantage faced by the Indigenous peoples of Australia (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) is an acknowledged part of Australian society. The contemporary data reveal striking inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in most measurable aspects of wellbeing across the life cycle. The reasons for these disparities and the poor state of Aboriginal health in Australia are complex and multifaceted, although racism is increasingly being implicated as a key determinant of Aboriginal health.