New research challenges long-held estimates of Australia’s Indigenous population before European colonisation, revealing figures far higher than previously believed. A national study suggests the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may have reached over two million, far exceeding earlier projections of around 250,000. The findings also imply that the devastating effects of disease and violence following colonisation were likely more severe than historical records indicated. Experts warn the revised figures could reshape understanding of Australia’s pre-colonial history and its lasting impacts.
Study finds earlier numbers were underestimated, suggesting impact of diseases and massacres were much greater than previously thoughtGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia before colonisation was dramatically underestimated, according to new research that suggests many more of them were killed.Modelling by a national research group puts the population levels before the 1788 first fleet arrived at 2.2 million, compared with early estimates of 250,000 people. Continue reading...
