‘Today is National Close the Gap Day 2020, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being at increased risk from the current COVID-19 pandemic compared with non-Indigenous Australians’, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association spokesperson Dr Chris Bourke said today.
‘This is principally due to the health inequality, and social and economic disadvantage, faced by many Indigenous Australians.’
‘The 2020 Close the Gap Campaign report, released today, demands recognition of and responses to 12 years of failures in government policy in closing gaps in health equity, and social and economic disadvantage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
‘A complete health system change is needed, built on recent moves to genuine partnership by the Council of Australian Governments and the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations.
‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must be included and empowered to design and deliver services that impact their lives.
‘The case studies in this year’s Close the Gap report prove that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander empowerment is vital to wellbeing.
‘The Queensland Government has recognised the need for complete change by introducing legislation to reform the Queensland health system to provide equitable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
‘Other jurisdictions must learn from this example and begin their own changes’, Dr Bourke said.
‘The Close the Gap report’s key recommendations centre on self-determination, leadership, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, cultural strength and connection to Country.
‘Improvements can be sped up through having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, investment in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and a culturally safe Australian healthcare system.
‘Additional measures include involving Aboriginal people in protecting Country from bushfires, increased support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health researchers, and a commitment to truth telling’, Dr Bourke said.
AHHA is a member of the Close the Gap campaign, an Indigenous-led movement calling for action on health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
More information on AHHA is available at ahha.asn.au.
The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association is the national peak body for public and not-for-profit hospitals, Primary Health Networks, and community and primary healthcare services.
Media enquiries:
Dr Chris Bourke, Strategic Programs Director, AHHA
0418 869 443
