RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA’S RESPONSE TO THE FEDERAL BUDGET
Media Release – 10 May 2011
Download a copy of Reconciliation Australia's Response to the Federal Budget media release
Reconciliation Australia has acknowledged the Gillard Government for maintaining its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in what has been a tight budget.
Chief Executive Leah Armstrong said while there have been cuts to many areas, if we’re going to take Closing the Gap seriously then expenditure for Australia’s first peoples must continue.
“It is absolutely vital that services that improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples do not decrease and that essential programs—in areas such as employment, health and education—are not compromised,” Ms Armstrong said.
“Significant funding for mental health services, including Indigenous mental health in remote areas, is welcome and long overdue,” she said, “and this initiative, along with additional funding for counseling support programs for members of the Stolen Generations, will change the lives of many Indigenous Australians.”
Ms Armstrong also welcomed the Government’s commitment to increase workforce participation and skills training.
“Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s workforce is essential to building economic independence and prosperity and is critical to closing the gap.
“However, the implementation of these initiatives must take into account the particular circumstances of Indigenous Australians—especially those living in remote locations,” Ms Armstrong said.
“Where appropriate, the design and delivery of these new measures must be based around genuine consultation and engagement with Indigenous people and communities.”
Reconciliation Australia recently released the findings of the second biennial Australian Reconciliation Barometer, which revealed the majority of Australians (87%) believed the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people was important, and almost half (48%) believed it was improving.
“As the Barometer has identified, relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians are important to most people,” Ms Armstrong said.
“So even in a tight budget the issues around relationships and recognition are important and will ultimately deliver better outcomes for all Australians.”
Reconciliation Australia is the peak body promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
Media Contact: Kylie Kluger 0418 633 277 or kylie.kluger@reconciliation.org.au
