[Greens-Media] Senate debates the Aboriginal health gap

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Senate debates the Aboriginal health gap

Monday 17th September 2007

The Australian Greens today called upon the Government to take the
immediate steps required to Close The Gap on Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander health and life expectancy.

"Australia's lack of progress on Indigenous health is an international
disgrace," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.
The Senate debated Senator Siewert's motion today that the need to
achieve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equality within a
generation is a matter of urgency.

Tuesday 18th September is National Close the Gap Day - a day where many
Australians across the nation are expected to come together at a range
of public events to show their support for closing the 17-year life
expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other
Australians.

"Despite the high profile claims about the effectiveness of the NT
Intervention, the latest leaked report from NT show the Government are
failing to reach more than 10% of the target ''at risk'' population."

"I urge the Government to significantly increase funding for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander health as an essential first step towards
closing the gap" said Senator Siewert.


For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au