Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he is not contemplating failure when it comes to Closing the Gap targets. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Anthony Albanese will use an address to Federal Parliament later today (12 February) to mark the progress and otherwise over the past year of Closing the Gap targets and outline a strategy for the year ahead.
The Prime Minister will acknowledge that, while much more needs to be done to achieve many of the targets, he notes that four are on track and a further six are improving.
Based on progress to date, the Federal Government expects to confirm that the target of 95 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children enrolled in preschool has been achieved.
Different states and territories are performing better on different outcomes, even in some of the more challenging areas.
The ACT is improving when it comes to children in out-of-home care, as are NSW and the Northern Territory.
Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia have made significant progress in reducing youth detention.
However, the PM will note that progress has stalled or is going backwards in several areas, the most urgent being suicide.
Compared to non-Indigenous Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are two and a half times more likely to die by suicide.
Members of the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders will be watching the PM deliver the speech inside Parliament House.
Region was delivered an advanced copy of the address, in which Mr Albanese warmly welcomes the Indigenous Elders to Parliament.
“You enhance this place with your presence,” the speech says.
“I know that since the alleged terrorist attack in Perth, many of you have been providing comfort to people grappling with shock and fear. People are imagining how much worse things could have been.
“I want to reaffirm what I said here last week, on behalf of the government and the people of Australia. We see you. We stand with you.
“The danger of that alleged attack was real – and so was the racism and hatred behind it, motivated by a white supremacist ideology.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the right to gather and express their views, without fear of violence.
“More than that, you have the right to a full and equal place in our nation and our future. Unburdened by discrimination or disadvantage. Empowered by opportunity and security.
“That is the test – and the purpose – of Closing the Gap.”
The Prime Minister will use the speech to announce a number of new initiatives.
Another $144 million is being allocated to upgrade dozens more health services, adding to the more than 100 already underway – from maternal health to mental health, in cities and remote regions.
Mr Albanese says many of these clinics had not seen a dollar of new investment for decades.
The Remote Jobs and Economic Development program has so far supported more than 1500 new jobs.
Mr Albanese will announce that by 2027 that number will double and by 2030 it will double again.
That will equate to 6000 new jobs “paying real wages and bringing new pride and purpose to people’s lives”.
It complements the 900 new jobs created through an expansion of Indigenous Rangers.
“This time last year, I outlined our plan to reduce the cost of 30 essential items in 76 community stores, so household staples like flour, cereal, pasta, even nappies and toothpaste, are tied to city prices,” the Prime Minister will explain.
“Today, I announce we will guarantee the reduced price of these 30 essentials is available to all 225 remote stores around Australia.”
The PM describes the challenges of Closing the Gap as “significant, complex and connected”, with causes that reach back generations.
But he adds that that does not render governments and communities powerless.
“It makes each act of change powerful. It means progress towards one target will drive improvement in others.
“We are now five years away from most of the target deadlines. We are clear about where there is more to do.
“We must also guard against talk of failure because talk of failure dismisses the aspirations and achievements of Indigenous Australians.
“It ignores the leaders and communities who are changing lives. Failure is a word for those who have stopped trying – or given up listening.
“I make this clear today: I am not contemplating failure. Our government is not contemplating failure. We are determined to succeed.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy will deliver a Ministerial Statement on Closing the Gap when parliament returns next month.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
