Ask the Government to get it right on closing the gap

A recent report by the Close the Gap campaign found shortcomings in the government's approach to closing the Indigenous life expectancy gap within a generation.

In particular, almost two years after committing to develop a comprehensive, long term plan of action to Close the Gap by 2030, no such plan exists.

Help ensure the Government gets it right on closing the gap – they must develop a long term plan, working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and give more support to Aboriginal community controlled medical services.

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Thank you for the report on progress towards closing the gap delivered by the Prime Minister recently. Your government's commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equality is to be commended, as is your willingness to report on progress each year in Parliament. However, I am concerned that there are shortcomings in the government's approach that need to be overcome if we are to achieve the Prime Minister's aim of closing the Indigenous life expectancy gap within a generation. In particular, it worries me that almost two years after the government committed to developing a comprehensive, long term plan of action to Close the Gap by 2030, no such plan exists. As you know, the Close the Gap campaign recently released its Shadow Report on the government's progress towards closing the gap. The Shadow Report calls for the development of a comprehensive plan as a matter of urgency. Its recommendations also include: * Developing more genuine partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their representatives, so that they are involved in both the development and implementation of policies * More funding and a capacity building plan for the Indigenous community controlled health sector * A more comprehensive National Indigenous Workforce Training Plan that is capable of meeting the gaps in the Indigenous health workforce. I know you are well aware of the human tragedy that lies behind the statistics on Indigenous health – babies still dying in numbers that shame us all, communities robbed of both the wisdom of their elders and the promise of their youth, and too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children still sitting at the back of the class, unable to hear the teacher because of preventable hearing loss. There are many issues that demand your government's attention and resources. However, none are more important than closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and other Australians. Please maintain your government's focus on this major national challenge. I urge you to implement the recommendations of the Close the Gap Shadow Report.

Oxfam Australia

Oxfam Australia is part of a global movement of dedicated people working hard to fight poverty and injustice.

Ask the Government to get it right on closing the gap