Dear Shadow Minister,

I am one of a growing number of Australians committed to closing the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians. I recognise that this is a complex issue but I am confident that with the political and financial will of Australian governments, the bipartisan support of the opposition parties and the enthusiasm and commitment of the Australian community, equality in life expectancy and life quality can be achieved within a generation.

The increase in investment required is modest - evidence suggests that an additional $460 million a year, coupled with carefully targeted policies, would significantly improve access to culturally appropriate primary healthcare at the level required for the higher burden of illness.

Setting national targets and benchmarks and closely monitoring progress against them will be vital. Examples of improvements in Indigenous health indicators from other countries suggest additional expenditure in culturally appropriate healthcare should produce a 30 per cent reduction in mortality in ten years. These examples, together with the incredible work already being done by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community health services, demonstrate that change is possible.

In closing, I urge the federal opposition to support significant increases in funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health as an essential first step towards closing the gap. This is an issue of utmost importance to me and will be a significant factor on which I will judge your party's success.

Yours sincerely,