South Australian peak body for Aboriginal health
Monday, February 15, 2010
Chairperson of the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Inc., Ms Yvonne Buza, says “Let Aboriginal people Close the Gap Mr Rudd.”
“In presenting his second annual statement on Closing the Gap, the Prime Minister acknowledged that progress is slow.
“Mr Rudd also said, ‘Not like the past, where it was non-Indigenous Australians seeking to lead Indigenous Australians, but instead, walking together, First Australians alongside all Australians, towards a stronger and fairer Australian nation.’
“However, what Aboriginal people are actually experiencing is non-Indigenous Australians still leading Indigenous Australians in most instances. Why, because most of the funds for Closing the Gap is going to mainstream agencies which are mainly staffed by non-Indigenous people.
“Government and mainstream programs have proven over and over again to be ineffective for our people. They lack consultation and cultural appropriateness, thereby rendering the programs useless in achieving any gains towards Closing the Gap.
“If government instead gave Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations the funds and responsibility to deliver Close the Gap initiatives, the Prime Minister would see results.
“Our Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services are and will continue to make real gains in Aboriginal health and wellbeing because we consult with community members and deliver the services and programs that they need in the way that is most appropriate to them.
“Mr Rudd, let Aboriginal people take control of our own health and wellbeing and we will Close the Gap.”
