New National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan
The Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon, and the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced the development of a new health plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
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Joint Release
The Hon Nicola Roxon MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
The Hon Warren Snowdon
Minister for Indigenous Health
3 November 2011The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan will be established by the Australian Government working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations, and state and territory governments will be invited to be participate.
Ms Roxon said the plan will give effect to the Government’s undertaking to close the gap in life expectancy and infant mortality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and the broader population.
"The plan is an important step in providing a road map for action across Australia," Ms Roxon said.
“We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have one of the lowest life expectancy rates in the nation, with an estimated 11 year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians.
“The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan will map the way forward for Government, health care and service providers as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in ensuring positive health outcomes.”
Ms Roxon said improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health requires a sustained and comprehensive effort by all parties.
“By working together, we can further reduce barriers, waste and duplication, and further enhance the services provided by Commonwealth and state and territory health services.”
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equality Council, chaired by Professor Ian Anderson, will provide strategic policy advice on the plan.
An advisory group co-chaired by the Department of Health and Ageing and the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples will inform the development and content of the plan.
Mr Snowdon said the cooperative approach to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan will help ensure its objectives are clear and address the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“It is important this plan is thorough and inclusive, covering not only health but also factors which impact on health, such as education, housing, employment and early childhood development,” Mr Snowdon said.
“Within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the burden of chronic disease accounts for two-thirds of the health gap, and the Australian Government is already focused on tackling cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory disease.
“The Health Plan will carry on the positive work already being done through the Australian Government’s $805.5 million investment in tackling chronic disease, part of the Government’s commitment to the $1.6 billion National Partnership agreement on closing the gap.”
For more information, contact Ms Roxon’s office (02) 6277 7720 or Mr Snowdon’s office (02) 6277 7820
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