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Why have some Torres Strait Islander peoples moved to mainland Australia?
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Torres Strait Islander peoples
A Torres Strait Islander boy performing a traditional dance.
Some Torres Strait Islander peoples have moved to mainland Australia primarily due to the economic decline in the demand for pearl shell, which was historically a major source of income for the island communities.1
While the pearling industry was once a significant economic driver, its decline necessitated shifts in employment and residence for many islanders. Today, more than half of all Torres Strait Islander peoples reside in Queensland, with significant populations living in the northern towns of Seisia and Bamaga on the Cape York Peninsula.12