The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) supports the Australian Productivity Commission’s recommendations for urgent reforms to meet targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, agreeing with its finding that “insufficient progress” has been made by governments.
The Review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap found progress to implement the Agreement’s reforms was “weak”, and that “disparate actions and ad hoc changes” had not led to noticeable improvements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
QAIHC Acting Chief Executive Officer Paula Arnol said the findings demonstrate governments are not sharing responsibility or using the skills and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations.
“It’s not a ‘gap’; it’s a chasm. We need urgent action now,” she said.
“Our communities and services live with real inequity. Life expectancy targets aren’t on trajectory, and suicide rates amongst our people are climbing.
“The Priority Reforms under the National Agreement were meant to ensure governments listened to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we know what is best for our communities.
“The Productivity Commission report proves governments need to strengthen the structures that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and share decision-making authority.
“The report recommends some key actions, including amending the agreement to better emphasise power sharing, and having governments recognise the expertise of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in what works for their communities.
“We need stronger involvement from Community Controlled Organisations if we’re really going to close the gap.
“Our Members live and work in our communities and regions, their strength is in building solutions for mob. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships and collaborations are essential to achieve real change."
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation sector is one of the oldest and strongest community-controlled sectors in Australia, with over 50 years’ experience.
Ms Arnol said Queensland must lead the development of partnerships and drive the changes the Productivity Commission has recommended.
She said all parties must the adopt the report recommendations as an opportunity for improving the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and should work with QAIHC and its Members to make that happen.
“We are committed to working with governments to build a better future for our people and create a more equitable society for all Australians.”
ENDS
Media contact:
Samantha Townsend
QAIHC Communications Manager
E: samantha.townsend@qaihc.com.au
M: 0417 080 203
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