Abbott's remark sparks wave of criticism

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott faced a wave of criticism on Wednesday after describing living in remote Aboriginal communities as a "lifestyle choice".

The country's indigenous people are the nation's most disadvantaged, with a much shorter life expectancy than other Australians while suffering disproportionate levels of imprisonment and unemployment.

Abbott said on Tuesday he supported a plan to close more than 100 remote Aboriginal communities across the vast Western Australia state if essential services could not be provided.