The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) welcomes the release of the Annual Report of the Close the Gap Campaign, of which NRHA is a key ally. NRHA supports the leadership and agency of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in driving the reforms necessary to close the health and wellbeing gap for Australia's First Nations peoples.
The Close the Gap Campaign emphasises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions, which are crucial to achieving meaningful and lasting improvements in health outcomes. We congratulate the achievements of First Nations leaders, especially those in rural and remote communities, who are already making a significant difference on the ground.
"Aligning with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap's four Priority Reform Areas, it is the responsibility of any government elected this year to prioritise the full implementation. In addition, long-term funding and policy levers need to be implemented by working with state and territory governments and communities. These, as well as the recommendations of the Productivity Commission's 2024 Closing the Gap Review would ensure the gap becoming smaller," said NRHA Chief Executive, Susi Tegen.
"We join the call for all levels of government working with communities to implement the recommendations outlined in this report and empower First Nations communities and organisations to lead the solutions that will shape their futures," she said.
"NRHA has been a strong advocate for the nearly 60 percent of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who live in rural, regional and remote areas. We know that while the proportion of Indigenous Australians within the population increases with remoteness, their health and wellbeing often decrease. As such, we continue to focus on the health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples in these regions."
NRHA also acknowledges that while significant progress has been made, considerable work remains to ensure the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are prioritised. Federal, state and territory governments must work together to translate policy into tangible outcomes, particularly in rural and remote communities where delivery has to be more flexible and the challenges are often most acute.
"NRHA stands firmly with the Close the Gap Campaign and supports Indigenous health organisations and clinicians in its efforts to amplify Indigenous voices and foster genuine reform and care delivery," said Ms Tegen.
About us:
The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) comprises 53 national organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the over 7 million people in rural and remote Australia. Our diverse membership includes representation from health professional organisations, health service providers, health educators, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and students.
