The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) commissioned an in-depth Human Development Index (HDI) and Infrastructure Gap Analysis to assess socio-economic disparities in the region. This work, led by Dr. Shashi Karunanethy (Chief Economist of Geografia), applied the globally recognised HDI framework—commonly used for national development comparisons—to Australian local government areas (LGAs), offering a first-of-its-kind analysis at a granular, regional level in Australia.

The findings revealed that the Torres Strait Region and Northern Australia at large have HDI levels significantly below the national average, with outcomes comparable to developing nations and other places, such as Indonesia’s rural provinces. The key barriers to economic and social mobility include limited transport infrastructure, inadequate access to essential services, and poor housing conditions—problems widely seen across Northern Australia. The research also challenges the notion that geography is destiny, demonstrating that with targeted infrastructure investments, Northern Australian regions can achieve significantly better development outcomes.

This presentation will explore:
1. HDI disparities across Northern Australia—using the HDI to highlight how Indigenous regions consistently rank in the bottom 10% of Australian development outcomes – and are more aligned to developing country levels than the Australian benchmark.
2. The role of infrastructure in shaping socio-economic opportunity, particularly how investment in transport and other forms of connectivity directly improve education, health, and economic outcomes.
3. Evidence-based pathways for change—drawing on successful infrastructure investment case studies, both domestic and international, to illustrate how strategic planning and investment can close these gaps.

This session is essential for policymakers, planners, and investors committed to Closing the Gap and fostering sustainable growth in Northern Australia.