Altman Case Study 1

I first worked in central Arnhem Land with Kuninjku harvesters in 1979–1980. At that time, with welfare just arriving, the customary sector accounted for the major part of the local economy: 64 per cent of cash and imputed income was generated by the customary; 26 per cent by welfare (the state); and 10 per cent from the sale of art (the market).

In recent research undertaken with the same people at the same places in 2002–03 I estimated that with full incorporation into the social security system these proportions have changed somewhat. Now the customary is relatively smaller at 32 per cent and the state larger (at 57 per cent) while the market sector is similar.

Nevertheless for an average Kuninjku outstation of 25 people, customary activity generates an estimated A72 800 worth of food per annum, an estimated 1540 per hunt. This is not just activity that generates imputed income, it indirectly generates cash and it enhances people’s
diet, nutrition and health status.

Source: Altman 2004, pp522-523

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