In our developed urban societies beneficial modification of the environment by provision of ample safe water supplies, domestic and municipal sanitation and the application of building and accommodation standards is taken for granted. The poor health standards of Australian Aborigines are now widely publicised but the extent to which basic facilities are involved is less appreciated.
This survey examined Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, a number of which are equal in size to many typical rural towns which are provided with full municipal services. The population surveyed represents approximately 40% of the Aboriginal population of the Northern Territory or approximately 10% of the total Territory population. The Department of Health's experience and observations are that the survey findings are representative for the entire Aboriginal population in the Northern Territory.