Close the Gap
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People can expect to live up to 10-17 years less than non-Indigenous Australians. The appalling state of Indigenous health has many causes.
The mortality rates for Indigenous Australians is on par with some of the world’s most impoverished nations. The United Nations Report, The State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (2009) indicated Australia and Nepal have the world’s worst life expectancy gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
More than 150,000 Australians are expected to take part in National Close the Gap Day today. This type of support for Indigenous health equality has been central in getting Australian governments to prioritise Indigenous health over the last few years.
Working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is one of the critical success factors. With continued support from the public, we can ensure the Australian Government continues to work with Indigenous communities, recommit additional funding and invest in real partnerships.
