[Greens-Media] More Government investment needed to Close the Gap

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

More Government investment needed to Close the Gap
Wednesday 12th November 2008

The Rudd Government needs to significant increase funding for Indigenous
health if we are to have chance of to Closing the Gap, said the
Australian Greens today.

"The 17 year gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians has long been an international embarrassment,
and a new report tells us it will take up to 100 years to rectify with
the Government's current level of funding," said Australian Greens
Senator Rachel Siewert.

"This is simply not good enough. Instead of addressing this issue the
Government is focussing on wasting money on punitive approaches and
failing to adequately invest in primary health care."

"This is not an intractable problem. We know what needs to be done, but
it requires a significant change in political will. What is needed is a
commitment to better health care for Indigenous Australians on the basis
of need, and dedicating more resources and support to close the gap,"
said Senator Siewert.

"The Greens are calling for an extra $460 million per annum to be spent
on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary healthcare."

"To make a real difference on Indigenous health we need to tackle the
crucial social issues, particularly poverty and housing, and we need to
increase Indigenous involvement in the delivery of community health
services."

"We welcomed Prime Minister Rudd's promise to Close the Gap earlier this
year - now he needs to ensure that his Government can deliver, and not
in 100 years - now," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180