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COAG must work with Indigenous groups to close gap: Calma
Thursday, 2 July 2009
8:09:49 AM
NATIONAL, July 2, 2009: Government leaders meeting in Darwin must commit to genuine partnerships with Indigenous people if they're serious about closing the gap, an Aboriginal leader says.
Today's Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in the Northern Territory will focus on Indigenous health, education and employment.
It will be the first time commonwealth, state and territory leaders have met in Darwin since 1994, and the first time ever Indigenous affairs will dominate the talks.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma welcomed the focus but said Indigenous disadvantage couldn't be addressed by governments alone.
"COAG must ensure Indigenous Australians are able to participate in all decisions regarding their health needs," he said.
"This should not be left to government-appointed advisory bodies and committees alone."
Governments across the country had to increase funding for Indigenous-controlled health services in particular.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says the COAG meeting is focusing on one of the toughest issues there is.
"Tomorrow we meet to tackle the most intractable problem that has faced Australian governments since federation: closing the gap of indigenous disadvantage," he wrote in The Australian on Wednesday.
"All levels of government are determined to close the gap for indigenous Australians and the new co-operative COAG gives us hope that we can begin to make real progress."
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin will be in Darwin for the talkfest.
The meeting will have a second focus on "building the recovery" following the global financial crisis, a spokeswoman for Mr Rudd said.
The meeting will look at deregulation and further cuts to business red tape.
Government leaders will also discuss the safety of foreign students in Australia.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says the meeting will aim to send a message, to India especially, that Australia is generally a very safe place which welcomes students from other countries. - AAP
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