The disparities in health between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the mainstream population are well documented in Australia. Many of the health issues, such as diabetes, renal failure, and eye and ear problems have long term disabling effects and many people do not access the health care system until they are in crisis.528
Access in rural areas is of particular concern to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians living in remote communities, particularly for those that require regular interactions with the health service. A lack of transport means that people are unable to maintain regular appointment regimes and are reliant on informal transport networks to reach services.
